12 DecEpiPen shortage update from the Victorian Department of Education and Training
This article appeared in the Victorian Department of Education and Training Quality Assessment and Regulation Update December 2019. It contains important information regarding current supply of the EpiPen Jr 150mcg and EpiPen 300mcg adenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors
Mylan has announced a shortage of EpiPen® Jr 150mcg adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors. Stock is expected to be available in pharmacies from 17 December 2019, however it may take several weeks to get supply back to normal levels.
The supply of EpiPen® 300mcg adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors is unaffected.
Supply of EpiPen Jr at your service
Early Childhood and Education Care Services are provided EpiPen® Jr by families of children diagnosed with anaphylaxis and should be used in the case of an emergency.
Early Childhood and Education Care Services in conjunction with families should also regularly check the expiry date of the backup device.
Tips for monitoring your EpiPen Jr stock
When checking EpiPen® Jr it is important to note that a device expiring in February 2020 does not actually expire until the end of that month.
You should keep a newly expired EpiPen® Jr until a replacement is provided and use it if required.
While the use of an expired adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector is not ideal, research suggests that recently expired devices retain potency.
More information and advice
For further information about the supply issue of EpiPen® Jr, see: ASCIA advice
For queries about recently expired EpiPen® Jr devices, see: ASCIA website
For further information on first aid, anaphylaxis management and emergency asthma management apply under the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (National Regulations), see: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/regulation/Pages/anaphylaxis.aspx
For all anaphylaxis management enquires, call:
Royal Children’s Hospital Anaphylaxis Advisory Line
Phone: 1300 725 911 or 9345 4235
Complying with the National Regulations and the Children’s Services Regulations
Early childhood education and care services must implement appropriate practices when administering medication.
During the temporary supply shortage of EpiPen® Jr, services should take the advice and may administer an EpiPen® Jr that is newly expired.
It is recommended that services review the arrangements for each child diagnosed with anaphylaxis at their service and discuss the advice above with each child’s parent.
More information about the requirements for the administration of medication can also be found as follows:
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (regulations 92 to 96).
Children’s Services Regulations 2009 (regulations 36 and 83).
the Guide to the National Quality Framework.
Further information from the Department of Education and Training:
Phone: 1300 307 415
Email: licensed.childrens.services@edumail.vic.gov.au
Web: www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/regulation
