Health Canada issued a press release warning the current EpiPen® shortage affecting the country will likely not be resolved until March.
Due to a manufacturing disruption affecting Pfizer Canada – who manufactures the device for Mylan – the 0.3 mg format of the EpiPen will be in short supply throughout the winter, anticipating the shortage to be resolved by March 2, 2018. The shortage does not affect the EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg format which is readily available.
While Pfizer is working closely with its distributors to resolve the shortage as soon as possible, it expects a period of between two and four weeks of no inventory of the 0.3 mg format. Pfizer has advised that additional limited inventory will be available at the beginning of February 2018 and that it will continue to manage supply carefully. Pfizer is asking pharmacists to keep this supply interruption in mind when filling prescriptions.
Canadians are encouraged to visit drugshortagescanada.ca or contact Pfizer directly for up-to-date information about the shortage and estimated re-supply dates. Patients with questions or concerns about the shortage may also wish to speak to their health care professional.