A shortage of EpiPens is expected through the rest of the summer which is concerning for many who Airdrie who use the product. 

Health Canada said earlier this week that they expect many pharmacies to run out of the product soon as a result of manufacturing delays from their producer Pfizer.

The owner of Village Medical Pharmacy in Airdrie with a couple EpiPens in stock

Local football coach Chris Glass is one of many Airdronians who use the EpiPen for severe allergies such as peanuts.

Glass says it’s concerning to him that the life-saving product could run out.

“It’s such a lifesaving medication. They’re so used to being around when you grow up with allergies, you’re so used to being able to have access to EpiPens and the fact that you don’t is quite scary. It’s like being told that you’re running out of air tomorrow.”

The owner of Village Medical Pharmacy in Airdrie, Puneet Joshi, says shortages like this have happened in past summers and says you can prepare yourself for when a shortage comes.

“You want to check your EpiPen to see when it expires. If it has already expired then speak to your healthcare provider such as your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to get a new one before it runs out. If you’re EpiPen has not expired then hold off on purchasing new EpiPens or stockpiling until the shortage is resolved so that the limited stock will go to people who need it the most.”

Joshi also says you and your family can try avoiding situations that can bring about allergic reactions such as being away from bees, wasps and foods that can cause anaphylaxis.

For Glass, however, that’s not always easy, especially with everyone out and enjoying the weather.

“It gives you a very uneasy feeling considering with the summer coming around and a lot of people have allergic reactions to bug bites or whatnot, you don’t actually have to make a mistake eating food that you’re allergic to, you can just be bitten by a bee and have the same problem. For outdoor sports, this becomes a big problem for kids.”

Glass says he has already kept a stock of EpiPens on hand in preparation for the shortage.

Other people who spoke to AIR 106.1 said that the shortage is ridiculous and frustrating and wonder why they happen each summer and whether the shortage is just an incentive for raising the price.

The shortage has even gone Ottawa where members of the Opposition are demanding that the Liberal Government address the shortage and make it readily available.

Health Canada anticipates that more EpiPens will be available by the end of August, in time for back to school.

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