Latest news from Food Allergy Canada – March 2019

Read the latest update about the full supply of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors, read our statement on the interim report on national pharmacare, and get to know how OHIP+ is changing this month. Plus, learn more about our community awards and how to apply for them, check out our tips on how to keep safe during Spring break.

Let us know your experiences with on Oral Immunotherapy, with your feedback, we can continue having informed discussions on emerging therapies.

EpiPen update: Pfizer announces full supply of EpiPen auto-injectors

As you know, throughout 2018 there have been supply constraints of the EpiPen^® and EpiPen^® Jr auto-injectors in Canada, which meant that at times you may have been unable to fill your prescriptions.

Pfizer Canada has advised that the overall supply of EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) are now fully available in pharmacies across Canada and that everyone should be able to obtain their complete EpiPen prescription. Please read Pfizer’s update, along with Health Canada’s posting for EpiPen and EpiPen Jr on the Drug Shortages Canada website noting that the supply constraints have been resolved.

While this is great news, we remain focused on advocating for always having a minimum of two epinephrine auto-injector suppliers in Canada. You have our commitment that we will continue our ongoing collaborations with the Government of Canada, the Provinces, pharmaceutical companies, and other key stakeholders to ensure you have greater access to this life-saving medication in the long-term.

Please note the temporary supply of AUVI-Q^® auto-injectors that was made available during the supply shortage is still available. For more information on the supply of AUVI-Q, please read our FAQs developed in collaboration with Health Canada and kaléo.

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

National Pharmacare: interim report

Earlier this week, Dr. Eric Hoskins and Ministers Bill Morneau and Ginette Pettipas Taylor released interim recommendations on national pharmacare. These measures, if adopted, will greatly benefit many individuals and families who have children with food allergies and who might not be able to afford an epinephrine auto-injector.

We were one of the stakeholders who submitted to the consultation last year, and we want to thank all of you who also took the time to submit your thoughts to Health Canada.

Read our statement on the interim recommendations.

New OHIP+ changes start this month: let us know how these changes impact you

Learn how OHIP+ is changing this month

OHIP+ Youth Pharmacare Program provides Ontarians aged 24 years or younger with access to 4,400 drug products listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, for free, including epinephrine auto-injectors.

Starting this month, OHIP+ coverage will not extend to children and youth who have private insurance coverage. OHIP+ benefits will continue for children and youth with no existing prescription drug benefits covered by private plans.

Prescriptions for youth no longer covered by OHIP+ will be billed to their insurance providers. Individuals or families who have significant out-of-pocket costs, despite having private insurance coverage, could apply for additional financial support through the Trillium Drug Program as was done prior to the implementation of OHIP+.

Let us know these changes will impact you and your family. Please send your feedback to info@foodallergycanada.ca.

Share your thoughts and experiences about Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

As emerging therapies are becoming available, we want to know if you have had any experiences with OIT:

• Are you considering OIT?
• Is your child currently undergoing OIT?
• Was your child in OIT treatment but has stopped?

Please share what your experiences have been like with this therapy, both positive and negative. There may be an opportunity for you to share your story with the media in the future.

Email us at info@foodallergycanada.ca to share your thoughts. With your feedback, we can continue having informed discussions on emerging therapies.

To learn more about OIT, including what’s involved, who it may be suited for, how long treatment generally takes, possible side effects, and the goals of treatment, check out our very informative webinar with Dr. Julia Upton.

Applications are now open for our 2019 community awards

Enter to win our awards/grants this year! Learn more about them below and please share with others who may be eligible.

Pryde Family Travel Grant – Deadline soon: March 22

For graduate students, medical students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in food allergy/anaphylaxis. The Pryde Family Travel Grant offers two grants valued at $500 each to help cover the costs for attending an academic program or event related to food allergies. Learn more and apply by March 22, 2019.

Robyn Allen

Robyn Allen Leadership Award

For a healthcare professional, industry representative, government representative, or an individual who has exemplified extraordinary leadership and dedication in the advancement of food allergy awareness and education. Learn more and apply by April 26, 2019.

Sabrina Shannon

Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award

For students entering their first year or continuing their studies at a post-secondary institution. Students can apply for a chance to receive one of two awards valued at $1,000 each. Applicants do not need to have food allergies to be eligible for the award. Learn more and apply by June 14, 2019.

Spring break tips on staying safe wherever you roam

Little girl with finger paint on hands looking at the camera excitedly in front of chalkoard with “spring break” written on it.

March is here and many kids will be on spring break this month. Check out our tips and resources below to prepare for a fun and allergy-safe spring break!

• Taking a few day trips, check out these tips
• Going abroad to somewhere warm, these tips will help you be prepared
• Going skiing or somewhere cold, check out these travel tips from a parent

If your child is going to a day camp, here are some helpful reminders and tips when using a childcare centre.