IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: Availability of EpiPen® 300mcg Adrenaline (epinephrine) Auto-Injector

EpiPen® 300mcg shortage

• Mylan has announced a shortage of EpiPen 300mcg adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors.

• Supply of EpiPen Jr 150mcg adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors is not affected.

• Stock of EpiPen 300mcg is expected to be available in pharmacies from mid-February 2018. 

• A process has been put in place by Mylan to ensure those at risk of anaphylaxis have access to the treatment they may need. Mylan has requested that patients requiring an EpiPen 300mcg autoinjector contact their local pharmacy. Pharmacies can then contact Mylan by phoning 1800 274 276 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to obtain instructions on how to access emergency supply. 

• Individuals will be able to access one in-date adrenaline autoinjector until the shortage resolves in mid-February 2018.

• Individuals and/or carers who require support should contact the national patient support organisation, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia via contact us or call 1300 728 000 

• In the case of anaphylaxis individuals and/or carers should follow instructions on their ASCIA Action Plan (i.e. Give EpiPen and call an ambulance).

Use of expired adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors

• It is important to note that a device expiring in February 2018 does not actually expire until the end of that month, not the start of that month.

• Whilst the use of an expired adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector is not ideal, research suggests that recently expired devices are effective in an emergency.

• Therefore, if no other adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector is available, use of recently expired device to treat anaphylaxis is advised, as stated on the ASCIA website: www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/anaphylaxis-resources/adrenaline-autoinjector-storage-expiry-and-disposal

• The shortage is due to a manufacture delay at Meridian Medical Technologies in the USA, a Pfizer company.

• Mylan Australia have assured A&AA and ASCIA they are monitoring the situation closely and working diligently with Meridian to stabilise the supply of EpiPen as quickly as possible.

• A&AA will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate on behalf of consumers at risk of anaphylaxis.

Regards,

Maria Said, CEO, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Availability of EpiPen® 300mcg Adrenaline (epinephrine) Auto-Injector - 22 Jan 2018625.37 KB