As parents start to plan for the upcoming school year, many are worried they won’t be able to find needed epinephrine autoinjectors due to a shortage of EpiPens. Despite the shortage of EpiPens over the last year, other autoinjectors are available in pharmacies and should be considered by anyone who has a severe allergy that might result in anaphylaxis.

“No one should fear they won’t have epinephrine in an allergy emergency,” says allergist Todd Mahr, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Your allergist is a great resource to help you find either an EpiPen or one of the other epinephrine autoinjectors on the market. All autoinjectors contain epinephrine, and that’s the needed ingredient to halt an anaphylactic reaction. Your allergist may also be able to assist you with copay programs to help defer costs for some of the products.”

Here’s what you need to know about your options for available autoinjectors:

• Shortages of EpiPens are ongoing, depending on where you live. There are two generic versions widely available with some shortages also seen regionally
• Auvi-Q products (three doses) are available through a specialty pharmacy and, starting July 11, will also be available at Walgreens
• Adrenaclick and generic Adrenaclick are available with some shortages
• Symjepi is available in two doses, but this is not an autoinjector. It is a pre-filled syringe that patients must inject themselves

If you have expired autoinjectors and experience an anaphylactic reaction, it’s better to use an expired device than nothing at all as the epinephrine might be good after the expiration date. However, with alternatives available, no one should have to rely on expired medication.

"No one with severe allergies should ever be without their life-saving medication, including epinephrine, despite a shortage or costs,” says Eleanor Garrow-Holding, President and CEO of Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT). “Individuals need access to epinephrine, as anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition, and epinephrine is the first line of treatment.”

Ongoing issues with access to epinephrine auto-injectors are a concern for anyone at risk of anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening. But patients have more options now than even a year ago. “This is especially important for food allergic patients, for whom avoidance and epinephrine treatment is their only therapeutic option” says allergist Thomas Casale, MD, chief medical advisor of Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).

Work with your pharmacist or allergist to find available epinephrine autoinjectors. If you are unsure of how to use a new autoinjector, your pharmacist or allergist can help. Use the ACAAI allergist locator to find an allergist in your area.