EpiPen® supply constraints in Canada

Pfizer Canada, the Canadian distributor for EpiPen®, is reporting that they may experience supply constraints in the coming months of the EpiPen 0.3 mg dose in Canada. Please read their statement. Health Canada has also posted an update.

Pfizer has noted that the product is still being shipped to Canada and there is still inventory available across pharmacies. However, out of an abundance of caution, they have decided to preventatively manage available EpiPen 0.3 mg supply in Canada through measured national allocation to wholesalers.

We have been in contact with Pfizer Canada, Health Canada, and other key stakeholders, to learn more about this situation.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The supply constraints are limited to the 0.3 mg EpiPen auto-injector only and does not apply to the 0.15 mg EpiPen Jr® auto-injector.
• At this time, there is supply of EpiPen auto-injectors in pharmacies, but out of an abundance of caution, inventory has been placed under preventative allocation to pharmacies until October 4, 2019.
• This means that Pfizer is managing the supply carefully and working closely with distributors to help ensure patients have consistent access to this medication.
• At this time, we’ve been advised that you should be able to fill your full prescription of EpiPen auto-injectors. If this changes, we will update you.

To help you better manage throughout this period, we recommend the following:

• If you have an expired EpiPen auto-injector or one that is about to expire, check with your local pharmacy to have it replaced. Please note that the expiry date applies to the last day of the month noted on the device.
• As always, continue to follow our tips for preventing reactions.

Advocating on your behalf

• We are working with Health Canada and other stakeholders on a long-term solution to ensure there is always a minimum of two suppliers of this life-saving medication.
• Ensuring better access to epinephrine is one of our main priorities in the National Food Allergy Action Plan. Learn more about the plan and the key areas of focus.

We will continue to follow this issue closely and keep you updated.

For further information or questions on the EpiPen supply constraints, please contact Pfizer Canada directly at 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361).