Epi-Pen Shortage

So I’m going to tell you all about the giant obstacle course I’ve had to jump through to get  an epi -pen! A piece of life saving equipment!

There’s a big problem. A shortage. Which really just isn’t good enough when you have such a severe allergy. Just reading the news scares me – and my heart goes out to the family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse.

I realised my Epi pen was running out soon and after reading the news I was immediately trying to order a new one! I went to boots to order and was told they didn’t have any in stock and didn’t have any alternative options for me. In shock I contacted the doctors who suggested I try another pharmacy and it was also suggested that Jex could be an alternative. After ringing and visiting what seemed like every single pharmacy in Exeter I finally found what seemed like and was probably the last Epi pen in the county in a small pharmacy by my surgery.

I realise I’ve been lucky hearing horror stories of those who haven’t been able to locate one and have the following tips for those who are having difficulty.

1. Make a note of all expiry dates on Epi pens in your diary with a reminder a month or so before to order a new one.

2. Always make sure you are carrying two in date ones!

3. If you are having trouble getting hold of Epi pen, ask your doctor to suggest and prescribe an alternative. Ask your doctor’s advice!

4. Look in the smaller pharmacies first!

5. Ask for a prescription slip without sending straight to a pharmacy – if the pharmacy doesn’t have it you’ll have to wait for it to be returned which is a pain.

6. Check out the Epi pen website for advice.

7. Keep your out of date one – some Epi pens will work past their expiry – check out the advice here:

http://www.epipen.co.uk

Let me know if you have any other tips and advice and as always the best advice comes straight from your doctor!