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Title: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: GoingNuts on May 09, 2018, 10:42:36 AM
NBC Nightly News is doing a story re: the EpiPen shortage tonight. They’re looking for a NYC-based family or parent who is stressing about their child’s EpiPen access. Email Ben Popken at ben.popken@nbcuni.com.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: MaryM on August 07, 2018, 06:56:06 PM
Today I encountered the shortage.  DD left her Epi Pens in the car by mistake overnight.  I Called to see if we had any refills.  DD did not, but DS did.  My insurance no longer covers Auvi (and we used the free from Kaleo and the refills so no more for the year) and will only cover generic.  None of the Walgreens that I called had any generic Epi.  UGH.  CVS has their own generic brand and I was able to transfer the script.  We are now the proud owners of Impax Epi Injectors.  They are thinner than the Mylan generic, plus!  You do have to pull two caps off but you know what?  I am so grateful that CVS has this option bc my regular pharmacy had nothing for me.  I am going to have the allergist call in a script for DD to CVS.  I guess the schools will need to be trained but hey, if I can't get the Epi - Pen I am glad we have something.   Should be interesting when we get to school.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: SilverLining on August 08, 2018, 07:05:45 AM
I’m glad you were able to get something.

Jealous, but happy for you at the same time.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: Ciel on August 08, 2018, 03:40:10 PM
I’m due for a refill this month but mine are still looking good so I’m holding off because I know so many parents will be stressing out trying to get ready for heading back to school. I’m sure that is stressful enough on its own. But it is an uncomfortable position for me as well. I would willingly take a vial and syringe if it meant that a child could have an autoinjector for school etc. But why does it keep happening that we even have to think about making these uncomfortable decisions?
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on August 21, 2018, 04:18:58 PM
https://snacksafely.com/2018/08/pfizer-issues-statement-extending-the-expiration-date-for-select-lots-of-epipen/

Have you seen this?  Expiration dates are being extended...
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on August 21, 2018, 05:22:01 PM
Oh, that opens up many questions, doesn't it... I can think of several: have they been using shortened expiry dates on purpose?  Were the expiration dates shortened by mistake (I doubt it)?  Are they doing this just to make people feel more comfortable about carrying expired medications?  This seems far too coincidental for it to be a safety review of sorts... Why the sudden change?  Is the shortage making them lower their standards of what is considered okay?  They offer little answers, other than studies prove viability... well, yes, but why aren't all autoinjectors affected by the change?  And, will this change continue into the future?

It seems fishy to me. 

And yet, we still only have one auto injector brand to choose from here in Canada, or should I say, used to be available... Most island pharmacies are out, and many on the mainland are too.  They're handing out two EpiPen Jr. devices to adults who absolutely need a new prescription, providing them with one full dose, that's it. 

Mine don't expire until next year, but I'm starting to worry about these shortages and what they could mean for those of us with no alternative other than phials and syringes -- and that isn't a safe option for many reasons.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: MaryM on August 22, 2018, 07:49:27 AM
Very fishy - I really think I am done with Mylan and am fortunate that here in the US I was able to get my hands on an alternative injector.  I hope Auvi-Q will offer free scripts to us again after its been a year.  My insurance does not cover them.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: rebekahc on August 22, 2018, 10:03:04 AM
I remember when Epi expiration dates got shorter and I remember when Epi prices went up.  Seems those two events weren't too far apart in the grand scheme of things.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: my3guys on August 22, 2018, 11:34:33 AM
This whole thing infuriates me. Mylan's practices are disgraceful. The expiration dates only get lengthened when there's a shortage??
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on September 05, 2018, 01:51:27 PM
I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned here yet: Auvi-Q is coming to Canada to help alleviate the EpiPen shortage:

http://foodallergycanada.ca/2018/08/auvi-q-epinephrine-auto-injector-temporary-supply-in-canada/

I want to get two, for convenience and comfort because they're significantly easier to carry and use, but I already have some current EpiPens and don't want to take away from people who don't have any... *sigh*  I have EpiPens expiring in December, so I'll wait until then because I am considerate. 

But... running and cycling with EpiPens versus Auvi-Q... there's no comparison.  It's like running with a rock in your shoe, only's it's this rigid long object across your back - horribly uncomfortable - versus something nearly tucked in a waistband pocket.  Daily life for this athletic purse-hating 24/7 EpiPen wearing person is more comfortable with Auvi-Q. 
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on September 05, 2018, 05:49:03 PM
Space- I would try and get them sooner rather than later just in case they aren't available later in the year when you want them.  December isn't that far off.

I seriously wish we could get them again.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: PurpleCat on September 06, 2018, 03:33:55 PM
Auvi Q and Walgreens have some deal in place to provide Auvi Q, not sure how it will work.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on September 06, 2018, 05:38:58 PM
Space- I would try and get them sooner rather than later just in case they aren't available later in the year when you want them.  December isn't that far off.

I seriously wish we could get them again.
Why can't you get them?  Not covered by insurance?

I'll email my doctor.  I just saw her today and will see if she can write an Auvi-Q prescription when I see her in 4 weeks for another B12 injection.  You're probably right about getting them sooner than later, although they have a contract to make them available for a year, with hope they will return permanently to Canada sometime in 2019, per Health Canada. 
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on September 06, 2018, 06:00:14 PM
They gave them to my daughter by mistake.  We never should have gotten them in the first place because we still have health insurance through the military.  Their assistance plan doesn't work with government health insurance.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on September 07, 2018, 07:19:10 PM
Leaving this here:

The price for two Auvi-Q devices at a Canadian pharmacy is $400 CAD.  Some insurance plans aren't covering it, though I haven't heard any reports of any that are... so maybe none are covering it for all I know. 

It's a hard number to swallow for many people.  (Including me... our budget won't like that cost if it isn't covered, but I would be a psychological mess and likely starve myself if I had to carry expired EpiPens.)
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: candyguru on September 08, 2018, 10:27:59 PM

We were able to get a new epi-pen for my daughter at Costco - they were in stock at the Yorkdale location when we went last week.

And thankfully the cost is $0 as the provincial government pays fully for children's epi pens here in Ontario!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 10, 2018, 11:30:27 AM
We were recently able to get Tricare insurance (via mailorder Express Scripts)  to cover new AuviQs this time.  Not sure if exception due to lack of Epipens, or new rules now?  Previous years, Tricare would not cover AuviQs . . . .

But I do have college son thrilled to have smaller, compact AuviQs again!

Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on September 10, 2018, 02:48:48 PM
Really?  I need to try this!
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 11, 2018, 10:05:16 AM
Let me know, Hezz if you are successful too!
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on September 11, 2018, 03:09:41 PM
Why do they refer to Auvi-Q as a rival, not just an alternate. This isn't a contest!  (Yeah, yeah, capitalism and all that, it is sad.)
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on September 17, 2018, 04:18:34 PM
Let me know, Hezz if you are successful too!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting that you were able to get them!  Just got off the phone with the pharmacy and 2 sets of Auvi-Qs for each kid are supposed to arrive in 10 days.  Now pants shopping for DS will be so much easier this winter.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: SilverLining on September 17, 2018, 04:44:01 PM
The week before the wedding, out on a farm, middle of nowhere, I wanted to pick up spare epipens. None available. The week after the wedding, AuviQ is available in Canada as a temporary fix for the epipen shortage. But I cannot get it because.....epipen is now available.

See what a little competition does! 
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 20, 2018, 10:18:09 PM
Hezz!!!! That is totally AWESOME!

So glad I posted!!

Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on September 27, 2018, 11:08:21 AM
Auvi-Qs have arrived, 2 packs for each kid!!
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on September 27, 2018, 12:02:19 PM
Hurray!!!

Also, Auvi-Q is starting to be covered by third-party insurance companies here.  Mine were covered.  They justness the Canadian DIN number.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on September 28, 2018, 06:04:56 AM
https://www.wthr.com/article/walgreens-making-epipen-equivalent-available-no-cost-many

Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on September 28, 2018, 03:59:26 PM
And then, EPIPEN CANADA posts this to their Facebook page today:

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT EPIPEN AUTO-INJECTORS
Pfizer Canada is advising Canadians that, in a very small number of cases, some EpiPen
(0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) auto-injector devices may not slide out of their carrier tube easily, or potentially at all, which could delay or potentially prevent emergency treatment. Consumers need to check their device now to confirm that it can be removed from the carrier tube with ease.
In a very small number of cases, the device labels were not fully adhered to the surface of the auto-injectors in a way that the label may become stuck to the inside of the carrier tube, so the device does not slide out of the tube as easily as expected. The issue is with the device label, and not with the device itself or the drug it delivers (epinephrine). This issue may affect EpiPen auto-injectors in Canada expiring between April 2018 and October 2019.
Products are not being recalled by Pfizer (in agreement with Health Canada), because pharmacists and consumers can check devices themselves before an emergency situation arises to make sure they slide easily out of their carrier tube. If they do not, auto-injectors can be replaced at a pharmacy.
Detailed instructions, including pictures of the auto-injector, can be found on Pfizer.ca and the EpiPen Facebook page. We apologize for any inconvenience this issue could cause to patients and healthcare professionals.

-----

Great, another reason to get Auvi-Q up here permanently.  We need options.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 02, 2018, 05:53:37 AM
Just gotta say, both my kids SO HAPPY to have AuviQ again in their pockets / purse.


 :happydance:
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: JeromeLi on October 09, 2018, 09:28:06 AM
Yup, AuviQ is a great product. I wish we had a couple of more options though.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: SilverLining on December 12, 2018, 05:55:11 PM
Hurray!!!

Also, Auvi-Q is starting to be covered by third-party insurance companies here.  Mine were covered.  They justness the Canadian DIN number.

Do you have the DIN number for adult dose AuviQ? I thought I posted it on the forum, but I cannot find it.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on December 13, 2018, 11:01:20 AM
Do you have the DIN number for adult dose AuviQ? I thought I posted it on the forum, but I cannot find it.
Standard = 02480379
Junior = 02480360

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/newsletters/news18-012.pdf
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: SilverLining on December 13, 2018, 03:31:45 PM
Thank you.

My pharmacist was being a jerk. Next time the other guy is in I’ll talk to him.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: GoingNuts on March 04, 2019, 12:15:05 PM
Well, well, well. 

https://snacksafely.com/2019/03/epipen-manufacturer-under-civil-investigation-by-us-attorney/
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: PurpleCat on March 04, 2019, 03:54:39 PM
 :disappointed:
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on March 07, 2019, 09:31:57 AM
This prompted me to order refills of Auvi-Q's for the kids...had a copay and that's all.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on March 07, 2019, 01:11:35 PM
In better news, the EpiPen supply is now back to normal in Canada.  It still remains spotty in some parts of America. 

Fingers crossed they can keep Auvi-Q here.  Plans are in the works to get it permanently in Canada by the end of the year, but I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. 
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: SilverLining on March 07, 2019, 03:05:48 PM
Unlikely they can keep it here temporarily because they are not bilingual.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on March 07, 2019, 07:37:57 PM
Allerject used to be, so maybe part of making them permanent would include a French audio version.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: GoingNuts on March 07, 2019, 09:07:40 PM
This prompted me to order refills of Auvi-Q's for the kids...had a copay and that's all.
Glad to be of service, ma’am.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: SilverLining on March 08, 2019, 12:03:41 AM
Allerject used to be, so maybe part of making them permanent would include a French audio version.

Yes, to sell it here there must be a French version. I think the written instructions have to be in both languages, but maybe just match the oral.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on April 06, 2019, 10:59:03 AM
https://abc7.com/health/walgreens-admits-it-sold-expired-epipens/5235487/?fbclid=IwAR06VoctJw4KdG8N9SrOyE6WzxDnXYv6ycF1EkMQ_PEBu70zSdZ4x_l808E
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: GoingNuts on June 14, 2019, 09:28:30 PM
Mylan extends expiration date by 4 months to alleviate shortage:
Supply Update - Extended Expiration Dates for current lots of EpiPen® 0.3 mg Auto-Injectors and its Authorized Generic

To address continued shortages of EpiPen®, Pfizer and Mylan are coordinating with FDA to extend the expiration dates by four months of all lots of EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg Auto- Injectors and its authorized generic version currently on the market in the U.S. after a review of stability data. Patients should have confidence in using the products as Pfizer works to stabilize supply.

This announcement is based on a careful review of product stability data provided by Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer, that manufactures EpiPen® Auto-Injectors and the authorized generic versions.

The affected lots, which have current expiration dates between February 2019 and October 2020, are listed in a table with their new expiration dates on FDA's website and EpiPen.com/EpiPenSupply. The extension of the expiration dates does not apply to EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors and its authorized generic version. Patients must continue to adhere to the manufacturer’s expiry date labeled on EpiPen Jr® 0.15 mg and Epinephrine Injection, USP Auto- Injectors 0.15 products.

EpiPen® is a product that requires a highly complex and technical manufacturing and assembly process. Meridian continues to experience manufacturing challenges. These challenges are expected to result in tighter supplies and greater variability in pharmacy-level access and will potentially continue through the summer months as seasonal demand increases.

We place great importance on the consistent availability of EpiPen® for everyone who needs it and understand the frustration this ongoing situation continues to pose to patients, caregivers and schools. Our hope is that the expiration extension will help alleviate the 0.3 mg strength shortage situation as Meridian continues its efforts to increase production and stabilize pharmacy inventories.

Mylan, the distributor, is expediting shipments upon receipt from Meridian and continues to encourage patients who are experiencing difficulty accessing product to call its Customer Relations team at 800-796-9526 for assistance in locating alternative pharmacies. Extended hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

Important Safety Information
Use EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg or EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors right away when you have an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis). Get emergency medical help right away. You may need further medical attention. Only a healthcare professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than two injections for a single anaphylactic episode. EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet. Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment.

Rarely, patients who have used EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® may develop an infection at the injection site within a few days. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have any of the following at an injection site: redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or the area feels warm to the touch.

Tell your healthcare professional about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have asthma, a history of depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your healthcare professional all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you use EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®.

Common side effects include fast, irregular or “pounding” heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting, breathing problems, paleness, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, headache, feelings of over excitement, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly if you lie down and rest. Tell your healthcare professional if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Indications
EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical help right away.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

For additional information, please contact us at 800-796-9526.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on July 20, 2019, 07:16:30 PM
Canada is in an EpiPen shortage situation again:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2019/07/statement-from-health-canada-on-the-supply-of-epipen-03-mg-auto-injectors.html

Auvi-Q remains available as an alternative.  YAY!!!!!  I'm a tiny bit sad about the shortage, and overjoyed that, as a result, Auvi-Q will be here for longer.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: ajasfolks2 on July 21, 2019, 09:10:25 AM
We got AuviQ refills ahead of time (June) rather than wait until Aug this year.

Will need epipens or another set of AuviQs, but will wait until Oct I think to space out.

With as many kids as are in OIT (or have passed challenges now), I have to wonder if Epi shortage will eventually be relieved just due to decreased demand?  Just me wondering.  (Yea, would need to see actual numbers and data . . . . just going by my sense of things.)



Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on July 21, 2019, 06:13:10 PM
Many people who have completed OIT (on maintenance) still have to carry EpiPens. OIT builds tolerance but the person still remains allergic in many cases, so a large dose could still cause anaphylaxis. This varies by individual and OIT protocols, though.  I wouldn’t expect the demand to decrease significantly any time soon.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: Janelle205 on July 25, 2019, 01:57:43 AM
Many people who have completed OIT (on maintenance) still have to carry EpiPens. OIT builds tolerance but the person still remains allergic in many cases, so a large dose could still cause anaphylaxis. This varies by individual and OIT protocols, though.  I wouldn’t expect the demand to decrease significantly any time soon.

On the demand side of things, I know that my pulmonologist has been prescribing more of his allergic asthma patients epis because increased pollen levels mean increased allergen load, which in turn can lead to more severe attacks from exposure with an already stressed system.
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: spacecanada on October 16, 2019, 06:07:13 PM
According to my pharmacist today (who double checked), Auvi-Q has now been discontinued in Canada and EpiPens are still in restricted supply. 😡
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on October 17, 2019, 01:51:37 PM
That’s not good
Title: Re: Epi Shortage - Time Sensitive, Please read
Post by: hezzier on June 29, 2020, 09:26:31 AM
So got a letter in April saying we have some Epi Pens on the defective list...most of them expired in April so wasn't too worried about it since we had Auvi-Qs also.  Most of those have now expired too...I know we can use them after the expiration date so again not too worried.  DD had her allergist appt and asked for a new Auvi-Q prescription...found out we needed a pre-authorization, so made all the phone calls for that...it was denied.  Our insurance company wants us to use Epi pen or a generic, I'm sure due to cost.  Called around to see if any pharmacies have Epi Pens, our normal military pharmacy does not currently have any in stock, our regular pharmacy does so I've called the allergist's office asking for 2 prescriptions one for each kid for Epi Pens.