@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.
Training videos for all available epinephrine autoinjectors are available at: Adrenaclick™ ( www.adrenaclick.com ) Auvi-Q™ ( www.auvi-q.com ) Epinephrine Injection, USP auto-injector, authorized generic (AG) of Adrenaclick™ ( www.epinephrineautoinject.com ) EpiPen™ and EpiPen Jr™ ( www.epipen.com ) REFERENCES Product information for Adrenaclick™. Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC. Horsham, PA 19044. June 2012. Product information for Auvi-Q™. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. Bridgewater, NJ 08807. September...
Many states are considering legislation to expand access to epinephrine auto-injectors in public places where food is present – such as sports venues, summer camps, theaters, and restaurants. Learn more about this effort and find out the status of epinephrine stocking in your state: http://cqrcengage.com/aafa/epinephrine
This will eliminate the necessity of training to administer epinephrene. Even after getting trained, a lot of people are hesitant to give the injection and things get delayed. If this spray gets approved, it has the potential to save a lot of lives.
This is such BS. It takes a school nurse 30 minutes to train staff. More is better, but that is all they need to know how to use the auto-injector. On top of that, if they choose to supply with Auvi-Q the auto-injector has audible instructions when you pull the cap to walk anyone through how to use it. They are worried about being on the hook for an unnecessary hospital visit, but is the potential death of a student really worth the risk?
My kiddo is in this school district and having interacted with these schools I'm guessing the problem is more complex than the article has let on. The following is my speculation as a parent. The reason given in the article "The Weatherford Independent School District says they feel that they can’t have someone trained to give an epinephrine auto-injector during all times the school is open." Isn't just regarding the inconvenience of training - all the teachers and admins go through the...
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.
This is a great reference - especially with the stick figure graphic that highlights all the symptoms and the green yellow and red action summary. Would you consider making this a downloadable reference sheet?
Thank you for this research. I'd like to suggest a similar study on how time affects this drug. Specifically, how far past the expiration date is still okay?
Nice summary, something I know many of us are concerned about especially as we approach the summer. I'm curious what "prolonged exposure" means ~ Does it mean constant heat for hours at one time or hours over multiple times? I assume it means hours, but could it mean days or some other measure of time...?
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 -...
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