Pharmacies expected to run out of EpiPens in days or weeks

[David Baxter PhD]

Pharmacies expected to run out of EpiPens in coming weeks: Health Canada
CBC News
July 30, 2018

New stock of adult-dose injectors not expected till end of August, manufacturer says

An EpiPen is an auto-injector used to self-administer epinephrine, or adrenaline, during a life-threatening allergic reaction. (Don Marce/CBC)

EpiPen injectors, which are relied on by people with life-threatening anaphylactic allergies, are in "very limited supply" and Canadian pharmacies are to run out of adult doses in "coming days or weeks," according to a statement from Health Canada.

Pfizer Canada has been reporting shortages for months due to manufacturing delays, and today told Health Canada it won't have new stock of the 0.3 mg adult dose of epinephrine until the end of August.

"We understand and regret the challenges this situation continues to pose to patients," the company said in a statement.

Pfizer said inventory management can be challenging in part because of the EpiPen's short shelf life, and it's not unusual for stock to be on backorder.

"Stock that was scheduled to be shipped in early August is currently being inspected which has caused a delay," the company wrote in an email to CBC News.

Health Canada said that while some pharmacies might have some inventory on hand now, it will likely be gone soon.

"We are exploring every option available to the Department with the goal of resolving the situation as soon as possible," said the regulator.

Pfizer has said since January that the shortages are due to manufacturing delays. (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press)

Limited availability of EpiPen Jr.
Pfizer Canada says it is currently able to provide the 0.15 mg EpiPen Jr, but supply is limited and the epinephrine injector for children is being carefully managed across the country.

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are used to deliver an emergency shot of epinephrine to patients who are at risk or have a history of the life-threatening allergic reaction anaphylaxis.

There are no alternative auto-injectors available in Canada.

EpiPen products expire on the last day of the month indicated on the package, so those with an August expiry date are good until Aug. 31.

Health Canada says anyone who has an anaphylactic reaction but has only an expired EpiPen should use the expired product and immediately call 911.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Health Canada updates Canadians on shortage situation involving EpiPen (0.3 mg) auto-injectors
Health Canada
July 30, 2018

Following Health Canada’s most recent communication regarding a shortage of EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) auto-injectors, Pfizer Canada has advised Health Canada that supply of EpiPen in the 0.3 mg format is expected to be very limited at pharmacies during the month of August. This means that while some pharmacies may currently have some inventory on-hand, it will likely be depleted in the coming days or weeks. Pfizer Canada does not expect to be able to provide new supply until the end of August. The company has also advised that, at this time, they continue to be able to supply EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg); however, the supply is limited and is being carefully managed at the national level.

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are used to deliver an emergency treatment of adrenaline (epinephrine) to patients who are at risk or have a history of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). There are currently no alternative auto-injectors available on the market in Canada.

Health Canada reminds Canadians that EpiPen products expire on the last day of the month indicated on the package. For example, products with an August expiry date do not expire until August 31. In light of the shortage, if you are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction and have only an expired auto-injector, use the expired product and immediately contact 911. Regardless of whether the product is expired, you should get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible following the administration of the product, as instructed in the product labelling.

Pfizer Canada informed Health Canada that the current shortage is due to a manufacturing issue with the EpiPen 0.3 mg format. Pfizer Canada is asking healthcare professionals to help manage the supply and pharmacists to keep this current supply situation in mind when dispensing EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg).

Health Canada continues to work closely with the company, the provinces and territories and stakeholders to help minimize the impact of this shortage on Canadians. We understand the stress that a shortage of a necessary medication can place on patients, families and the health system. We are exploring every option available to the Department with the goal of resolving the situation as soon as possible.

Canadians are encouraged to visit drugshortagescanada.ca or contact Pfizer Canada directly for up-to-date information about the shortage and estimated re-supply dates. Patients with questions or concerns about the shortage may also wish to speak to their health care professional.

• Pfizer Canada Statement (2018-07-30): EpiPen Auto-injector (0.3 mg and 0.15 mg) Supply
• Health Canada communication (2018-04-12): Shortage of EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) auto-injectors in Canada
• Health Canada communication (2018-01-18): Shortage of EpiPen (0.3 mg) auto-injector in Canada