Allergy sufferers across the country are struggling to find EpiPens.
The emergency allergy medication, which treats reactions to anything from food allergies to insect stings, was just added to the Food and Drug Administration’s list of drug shortages.
According to the FDA, the shortage is due to a supply chain disruption.
“Based on the information provided by the manufacturer, the FDA anticipates the EpiPen shortage to be short-term,” an FDA representative said.
The drug’s maker, Mylan is still distributing EpiPens and a generic version, but they are becoming more difficult to find and patients may need to turn to a different brand.
Impax or Amneal Pharmaceuticals, the makers of another injector called Adrenalick, has also reported a shortage, but Kaleo, which makes another injector called Auvi-Q says its products are still available.
Doctors suggest those who carry EpiPens or other auto-injectors should do the following:
- Check your supply of Epinerpherine autoinjectors
- Check the expiration dates
- Look for alternative brands such as Auvi-Qheck
“If you have a severe allergy and carry epinephrine, it is important to know that each brand functions a little differently. The stress of an anaphylactic reaction is not the time to realize you have a different autoinjector than what was demonstrated to you by your allergist,” the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology , which represents allergy experts, says on its website.
If you need assistance accessing EpiPens or locating alternate pharmacies, call Mylan Customer Relations at 800-796-9526.
