CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The FDA recently reported shortages in different parts of the country for the auto-injector, Epipen, so WBTW talked with pharmacists to see how that shortage is affecting people locally.
Dale Todd from Rivertown Pharmacy in Conway said despite shortages in places like Ohio, New York, California, New Jersey, Texas, Maine, and Georgia, it hasn’t affected South Carolina yet. The Epipen is used for situations like allergic reactions.
Todd said there are three main suppliers of the Epipen and the generic Epinephrine: Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, and McKesson. He said he thinks the reason for the Epipen shortage is because of an imbalance between supply and demand in specific areas, but he said the generic Epinephrine is still in stock in most cases.
If you can’t find the Epipen at your local pharmacy, Todd said to check for the generic brand first, and then check with the manufacturer. “They’re requesting any individual having problems receiving an Epipen from their local pharmacy to reach out and call the manufacturer direct, and they’ll do a direct shipment to that closest pharmacy for that individual,” said Todd.
He said he’s seeing more kids needing Epinephrine this year than what he’s used to, so he pointed out that the generic brand of Epinephrine is cheaper for families who may have to purchase more than one.
“When they go to school, they’re required to have epinephrine there, and of course you would want one at home for the family, so most families when they get it, have to get two,” said Todd.
Todd said he thinks the shortage could go on for another three to four weeks before the companies are able to get back on track with supply and demand.
