Epipen and EpiPen Jr. in short supply, no alternatives available

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(CBC News) — EpiPen injectors used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions are currently running short, and EpiPen Jr. products may soon do the same, Health Canada said on Thursday.

Health Canada said Pfizer Canada had advised the agency of the short supplies.

The auto-injector is a handheld device that treats life-threatening allergic reactions by automatically injecting a dose of epinephrine.

“A shortage does not necessarily mean that there is no supply available in pharmacies. At this time, the company has indicated that limited inventory of both products remains available and is being carefully managed nationally,” the regulator said.

There are currently no alternative auto-injectors available in Canada.

Pfizer said the current supply constraints of its 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg products are due to delays at the manufacturing facility. (…)

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