EpiPen and EpiPen Junior update

November 1, 2018

Following the information issued previously, the supply issue affecting EpiPen and EpiPen Junior is expected to continue for the remainder of 2018.

The guidance from children’s allergy experts outlined in the DfE’s previous email is now subject to the following updates:

• During this period of reduced supply, 300mcg of adrenaline can be prescribed to children weighing 25kg or above, even where the pen might state 30kg or above; and
• In the event of anaphylaxis during this shortage period, if a child has no in-date pen, an out-of-date pen can be used. Using an out-of-date pen might give a lower dose of adrenaline but it is better to use an out-of-date pen than wait for an ambulance to arrive.

Schools should note the guidance in the letter from NHS allergy experts, which is being issued by GPs to those affected and includes the updated advice.