Adrenaline Auto-Injector Supply Issues – Updated Information

Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd have published an update on the issues affecting supply of EpiPen adrenaline auto-injectors.

The update supplements information available from the Medicines and Pharmacy Directorate of the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) via the Specialist Pharmacy Service website and PrescQIPP [NB: links only work if logged-in].

Community pharmacy staff can refer to the ‘manufacturer contingency arrangements’ page of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee website for advice on how to order EpiPen auto-injectors.

The update and DHSC materials include the following Key Points for Primary Care Prescribers:

• To support patient access to the product during this supply constraint, we are encouraging healthcare professionals to manage prescription renewals diligently. Please note, when validating the expiry date of an adrenaline auto-injector, the product expires on the last day of the month indicated. For example, if it expires in February, it remains valid (not expired) until February 28.
• Due to the supply situation with EpiPen Jr 0.15mg, supplies of both Jext and Emerade 0.15mg adrenaline auto-injectors have been rapidly depleted and are currently unavailable. Additional supplies of Jext are expected w/c 24/09/18 and Emerade by the end of September. However, supplies will be limited and the situation is likely to be constrained until the Mylan supply situation has resolved.
• During this period if patients are unable to obtain a supply of their usual adrenaline auto-injector we would encourage patients to speak to their healthcare provider about alternate adrenaline auto-injectors.