@Parent2017 - Welcome to KFA's support community. Those are some great questions. I would suggest that you post them on our support forums so that more people can give you input.
The doctor said he did not know about the problem. Keep calling around. Apparently, Epi pens were recalled about three weeks ago. The pharmacies I spoke to will not sell epi pens until the new, post recall, pens have been sent to them. They do not want the liability. If you need an epi at this time, call 911. Stef
You're right - the pharma company websites aren't updated yet for 2018 and the coupons all expired 12/31/17. I'm trying to fill prescriptions now and don't have a valid coupon! How do I get an updated one?
KristaB, have you tried calling the contact number on the pharma company in question? They may be able to give you a timeline or a coupon that would work. Also, could you talk to your pharmacist or doctor? They may be able to reach out to their pharmaceutical reps for answers or a coupon, or even samples of some medications. I know that KFA is awesome about updating all this -- so keep an eye for updates.
Cynthia, No, I haven't called the pharma companies. My pharmacist is great though and he's on top of it. I wanted to see what he came up with first before trying to call pharma companies - that just seems like a runaround waiting to happen! I just found this site though, so I will keep checking back! Thanks!
The blog post was updated on Dec. 3, 2018, to include the following: Teva offers a generic version epinephrine auto-injector in limited areas in the U.S. It is available in 0.3 mg for $300 per two-pack. It will be released in larger quantities in the U.S., along with a 0.15 mg version, in 2019.
This blog post was updated in December 2018 to include information on the generic epinephrine auto-injector from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and the nasal spray from INSYS Therapeutics.
This blog post was updated in July 2019 to include updated information on savings programs for AUVI-Q® and EpiPen®. It also includes information on the SYMJEPI™ pre-filled syringe from Sandoz.
Thanks so much for this information! Should we be concerned that an ambulance/emergency medical service might not carry epinephrine as a result of this shortage? Would you recommend we call our local township/ambulance to confirm they carry it?
That is an interesting question! In fact, it is never a given that any squad will have epinephrine. Where I live, basic life support squads (BLS, and most often volunteers) have to apply to the state (NJ) to carry it, and then they use auto-injectors. Advanced EMTs, or paramedics from hospitals - I am not sure what they carry but I think they are auto-injectors - I read there is one state out west that started carrying ampules and syringes to cut down on cost. There are other companies that...
That's a really good question. And my understanding is that some carry ampules and some carry autoinjectors. And depending on the squad they send, they may or may not be authorized to inject. This all varies by locality. So, you really do need to contact your local first responders and find out what they do carry.
Thanks for the responses! Someone recommended this to me a few years ago, just to make sure our local ambulances carry epinephrine, and I have yet to do so. This news is giving me the extra push to call!
Let us know what they say...I know that volunteer-run companies struggle with a shortage of both money and volunteers and still have training requirements to deal with anytime they want to do something new or better, and sometimes that comes into play, at least where I live.
I just emailed the ABC station WRIC in VA who issued the report, asking that they issue a correction and update on their report of July 13. Aside from the confusion about injections vs. auto-injectors, there was a whole lot of weird quoting of the pediatrician, who sounds either misinformed or misquoted. Was wondering if KFA or AAFA has reached out to them?
I don't believe so. I just looked at the story again under the video - they updated the text to say "there is no immediate concern" but the video is still there. I suppose if one is on Facebook, one could share our post in their comments section (that appears to be what they use....)
UPDATE: We have official responses from EpiPen ™ and Auvi-Q ™ that they are not affected by a shortage of epinephrine. We do not have an official response from Adrenaclick ™ (or the generic version). If we receive more information, we will update here.
That's good. It seems like Mylan is recognizing that with the rise of food allergies, a LOT of epi-prescribed folks are children, and they and their parents need extra guidance in using their device safely. (As opposed to an adult patient.)
For more information on the FDA's communications about these changes: EpiPen: New label - http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/...16/019430s061lbl.pdf Letter to Mylan (makers of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr.) http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/...9430Orig1s061ltr.pdf Adrenaclick: New label - http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/...16/020800s034lbl.pdf Letter to Amedra (makers of Adrenaclick and its generic version) http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/...0800Orig1s034ltr.pdf Auvi-Q (removed from market in 2015): New label -...
If you have any questions about the new labels, speak with your healthcare provider. Here is a message from Mylan, the makers of EpiPens: "Mylan offers a library of training and support resources for patients and caregivers which are in the process of being updated to reflect the new labeling. In the meantime, please speak to your healthcare professional or call the Mylan Customer Service team at 800-395-3376 with any questions about the changes. Additionally, each EpiPen 2-Pak® and EpiPen...
Thanks so much for getting this info out! Grateful to Dr. Julie Brown et al for raising some awareness around auto injector issues and Kids with Food Allergies for spreading the word.
Wondering if there is any discussion about "swing and jab" v. press firmly until injector engages? Bruising from overly forceful impact of auto injector on tissues also a commonly expressed concern.
Hi, Joyce, the trainer in an Epi pack is usually a "look alike" that doesn't have a needle. It can be reset to be used over and over again. It's basically a way to teach people which end is up, as with a real Epi, it can be confusing and you want the meds to go in your kid and not in a teacher or staff person's thumb.
So glad to see this article. I just checked mine and it is fine....but thanks for keeping us informed. Hoping to hear more soon on what is happening with the nasal spray!
If you are having trouble filling your epinephrine prescriptions due to the current shortages and are willing to speak with the media, please email sanaz@aafa.org . Thank you!
Thanks for a great webinar! Very informative and helpful. I noticed the babysitting handout shown on one of the last slides wasn't included in your list of links here, I was able to find it on my own, but thought I would point that out in case you want to add it. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this webinar! You answered so many questions for this school nurse, both during your presentation & in the Q & A session! I appreciate the time each of you gave to educate us more about epinephrine & anaphylaxis!
Thanks for the feedback ladies! I'm glad you both found the webinar and resources helpful. Thanks for noting that that the link for the babysitting handout is not there.
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