Latest News: EpiPen Shortage Update

EpiPen Shortage Update from Acorn Health and Safety Bristol

We have been sharing the news over the last few months regarding the shortage of EpiPen’s.

Following the information issued over the last few weeks, the supply issue affecting EpiPen and EpiPen Junior is expected to continue for the remainder of 2018.

EpiPen is an adrenaline auto-injector device (AAI) used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs or other substances.

The shortage may mean some sufferers start using a different adrenaline auto-injector that they are less familiar with and/or carrying fewer devices than they normally do.

The guidance from children’s allergy experts is now subject to the following updates:

• During this period of reduced supply, 300mcg of adrenaline can be prescribed to children weighing 25kg or above, even where the pen might state 30kg or above; and
• In the event of anaphylaxis during this shortage period, if a child has no in-date pen, an out-of-date pen can be used. Using an out-of-date pen might give a lower dose of adrenaline but it is better to use an out-of-date pen than wait for an ambulance to arrive.

There is further guidance in a letter from NHS allergy experts, which is being issued by GPs to those affected and includes the updated advice which we recommend is shared (in confidence) to parents/guardians of young people who carry an EpiPen Junior or alternative adrenaline auto-injector.

The Department for Health and Social Care have also issued some EpiPen and EpiPen Junior Guidance, which has been drawn up by NHS allergy experts.

All of our First Aid courses train our delegates on how to treat anaphylaxis and we also offer a 1 hour dedicated Anaphylaxis Training course for those who may require further more in-depth training including: Identifying common trigger factors, Recognising signs and symptoms, Using an auto-injection device correctly, Understanding follow up management and treatment.