*Update as of February 21, 2019: For the most recent update regarding EpiPen and EpiPen Jr availability, click here.*
*Update as of August 10, 2018: EpiPen shortage FAQs – get the answers to the most common questions about this shortage.*
There are new updates from Pfizer Canada and Health Canada regarding the ongoing supply constraints of the EpiPen® auto-injectors in Canada.
New updates
Pfizer Canada has advised that they are continuing to experience supply shortages of EpiPen epinephrine auto-injectors in the 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg doses:
- EpiPen 0.3 mg dose: There is currently a shortage of this dose until late August 2018, when Pfizer anticipates the next shipment to the Canadian market.
- EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg dose: At this time, there is inventory of EpiPen Jr available and it is being carefully managed nationally.
Please read Pfizer’s full statement. Health Canada has also released an update.
What this means and how to manage
To help you understand what this means, and to help you manage during this period, please note the following:
- There may be a limit placed on the number of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors you may be able to receive from the pharmacy. During this shortage period, please be mindful in requesting additional EpiPens beyond what is necessary to allow for as many people as possible to have access to this medication.
- If your local pharmacy does not have any auto-injectors in stock, please check with other pharmacies in your area. If a new auto-injector is not available, a recently expired device may be used to treat an anaphylactic reaction in an emergency situation during this shortage period.
- As a reminder, please note that the expiry date applies to the last day of the month noted on the device. For example, if your device expires in August, it remains valid (not expired) until August 31st.
- Please share this communication with your child’s school to advise them that additional devices for the school may not be possible during this shortage period.
- As always, continue to follow and review our safety tips for managing food allergies.
We’re advocating for you
Throughout 2018, there have been multiple supply interruptions of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors in Canada. We understand this has been both frustrating and worrying. As a part of our ongoing commitment to you, and all Canadians impacted by food allergies, we are actively advocating on your behalf to bring resolution to this ongoing issue.
We are:
- Advocating to Pfizer Canada and Health Canada for greater transparency on this issue, including its root cause, and the timeframe for resolution.
- Advocating for greater access to epinephrine by speaking with Health Canada, provincial governments, and other epinephrine auto-injector pharmaceutical companies from the U.S. and Europe about entering the Canadian market.
- Collaborating with our counterparts from around the world, who may also be impacted by the shortage, to share best practices in how to help the impacted communities.
- Listening to you – please let us know if you are experiencing issues obtaining your EpiPens, as hearing about your experiences equips us to have informed conversations with the Government of Canada, pharmaceutical companies, and other key stakeholders.
We will continue working hard to ensure this community remains supported. You will receive additional updates from us in the coming weeks on how we are progressing with this issue.
For further information or questions about the shortage, please contact Pfizer Canada directly at 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361).
Tags: Epinephrine, EpiPen, shortage