ALERT: FDA Declares Nationwide EpiPen Shortage

WITZ Radio News is an affiliate of Network Indiana

STATEWIDE - Do you have an EpiPen? If you have to use it any time soon, you might have a hard time getting another one.

The Food and Drug Administration has declared a nationwide shortage of EpiPen, EpiPen Jr., Adrenaclick injector, and other allergic reaction treatments called epinephrine auto-injectors.

Auto-injectors like the EpiPen and Adrenaclick injector deliver a shot of epinephrine to someone having an allergic reaction. The injectors can be life-saving for someone with severe allergies.

Since May 2, more than 400 people in 45 states have reported being unable to get the medication. States affected so far include California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and Maine.

EpiPen distributor Mylan and Adrenaclick maker Impax Laboratories both say that manufacturing issues are to blame for the shortage of their respective products.

Mylan asks patients who have trouble getting EpiPens to call the company's customer service hotline (800-395-3376) for help finding pharmacies that have the drug in stock.

The Auvi-Q, an auto-injector made by Kaleo, is not part of the shortage, says the FDA.