Allergic Girl Counseling: Epinephrine Shortages In the United States, September 4, 2018 UPDATE

Shortages

No shortages

**UPDATED September 6, 2018**

From a press release from kaléo, manufacturer of Auvi-Q: 

"Kaléo and Walgreens are working together to improve access to epinephrine auto-injectors by making kaléo’s AUVI-Q 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg available through Walgreens locations nationwide, and at no cost for patients with commercial insurance.

• Walgreens becomes first retail pharmacy to offer access to AUVI-Q auto-injectors at no cost for commercially insured patients who are eligible for kaléo’s patient support programs.
• For patients who are unable to fill their current epinephrine prescriptions, Walgreens pharmacists will work with each patient’s healthcare practitioner to see if AUVI-Q is right for them.


Go to https://www.auvi-q.com/about-auvi-q/ for more information."


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Earlier this Spring, I was one of the millions affected by the Epi-Pen shortages. Trying to get a refill threw me into a panic as my local pharmacy said they didn’t have any and no one else nearby had anything but Adrenaclick, which I have never purchased. Luckily, my Auvi-Qs had some refills on them and once I called Auvi-Q (1-877-30-AUVIQ) they were able to overnight a pack before my trip. Additionally, I read about calling Mylan (Mylan Customer Relations at 800-796-9526) and when I called them, they helped locate a pack of Epi-Pens at a nearby pharmacy that could be refilled upon my return from my trip. Whew!

However, this is an ongoing issue that has worsened this summer with no relief in sight. 

Below are some resources to read about how to get the epinephrine autoinjectors you need.

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Allergic Living: Roundup of Epinephrine Shortage Information: https://www.allergicliving.com/2018/08/16/as-new-survey-finds-majority-struggling-to-locate-epipens-rival-auvi-q-gains-ground/

FARE: https://www.foodallergy.org/life-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/epinephrine

FARE: https://www.foodallergy.org/life-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/epinephrine/shortage

FARE: https://www.foodallergy.org/about-fare/blog/expired-epinephrine-can-still-save-lives

Mylan Statement: http://newsroom.mylan.com/press-releases?item=123590

FDA list Extended Use Dates Provided by Pfizer: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm563360.htm
Kaleo statement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kaleo-confirms-us-availability-of-auvi-q-epinephrine-injection-usp-auto-injector-for-back-to-school-season-300696520.html



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Contact Mylan: 
1-800-796-9526 
Epi-Pen https://www.epipen.com/en

Contact Auvi-Q: 
1-877-30-AUVIQ
Auvi-Q https://www.auvi-q.com/