Parents concerned as EpiPen and EpiPen Junior shortage continues into October

Parents continue to worry as allergy medicine supplies plummet.

EpiPen and EpiPen Junior devices have faced shortages for months, but the junior version has now been declared unavailable. The medication is vital for children suffering from severe allergies and can be life-saving in some cases. EpiPens are the most common adrenaline auto-injector devices and are used by people suffering from serious allergies to prevent reactions like anaphylaxis. The stock of EpiPen has been low across Europe but it is expected that supplies will be up by the end of October. Still, it is unclear as to whether or not this incoming stock will meet the demands of all the children who will require the medication. Adult patients requiring the medication have been told that they can use their devices up to four months beyond the listed expiry date in an attempt to maintain supply levels. This, however, is not the solution to the problem and in the meantime, many young children are going without essential medication which could mean the difference between life and death. Two other adrenaline auto-injector devices available in the UK, Emerade and Jext are working to increase their supplies to the UK over the coming months, but as yet there is no confirmed news on how the issue will be dealt with in Ireland.