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.

That's not good

According to my pharmacist today (who double checked), Auvi-Q has now been discontinued in Canada and EpiPens are still in restricted supply. 😡

Quote from: 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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

Quote from: 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.

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.

Quote from: 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.

Glad to be of service, ma'am.

Allerject used to be, so maybe part of making them permanent would include a French audio version.

Unlikely they can keep it here temporarily because they are not bilingual.

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. 

This prompted me to order refills of Auvi-Q's for the kids...had a copay and that's all.