New EpiPen supply update

This past July, Pfizer Canada, the Canadian distributor for EpiPen^®, reported that they may experience supply constraints in the coming months of the EpiPen 0.3 mg dose in Canada.

On September 11^th, Pfizer provided a new update to advise that during the coming weeks they are expecting tight supplies and variability in pharmacy-level access of the EpiPen 0.3 mg auto-injectors. This means, that the auto-injectors may not be immediately available when you fill your script.

Pfizer has noted that the product is still being shipped to Canada and they are continuing to manage available EpiPen 0.3 mg supply through measured national allocation to wholesalers.

We have been in contact with Pfizer Canada and Health Canada 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.
• Pfizer is managing the supply carefully and working closely with distributors to help ensure patients have access to this medication. 
• At this time, we’ve been advised that you may not be able to fill your full prescription of the EpiPen 0.3 mg auto-injectors.

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(s) to have it replaced. You may need to go to more than one pharmacy.
• 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 goal to ensure there will always be more than one supplier of this life-saving medication.
• Ensuring better access to epinephrine is one of our priorities in the National Food Allergy Action Plan.
• Help us advocate during this federal election to make the National Food Allergy Action Plan a priority. Watch for a campaign toolkit next week to learn more on how you can become more involved.

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

For further information or questions on the EpiPen supply allocations, please contact Pfizer Canada directly at 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361). It’s important they hear from you directly.