Shortage of EpiPens to treat severe allergic reactions has consumers concerned
TORONTO — Pauline Osena knows how crucial it is to have EpiPens close at hand for her two young sons, who are at risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis because of multiple food allergies.
So it’s no surprise that the latest short supply of the emergency rescue medication — an auto-injectable device that delivers a shot of symptom-relieving epinephrine — has her worried.
“It’s something I’m really concerned about,” said Osena, referring to the recent notice from the drug’s manufacturer that there’s a shortfall in inventory of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr.
“We’ve had to use EpiPens multiple times,” said the Toronto mother of three, whose four-year-old daughter is free of allergies. “Both of my sons have gone into anaphylaxis, a few times.”