Support Alert

Interim dispensing protocol on dispensing of adrenaline auto-injectors, 150microgram.

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) has issued an interim dispensing protocol on dispensing of adrenaline auto-injectors, 150microgram.

This validation protocol has been developed to ensure consistent practice nationally and to prevent the need for any local re-interpretation. DHSC has advised that we have now reached a critical supply issue and need to implement controls on the supply of 150microgram adrenaline auto injectors. Children weighing 25kg or less with the greatest short term need must have access to these first, ensuring that every patient has at least one in date 150microgram adrenaline auto injector. This can only be achieved by restricting issue of new devices until further notice. Consequently, all prescriptions (private and NHS) must be validated prior to supply to the community pharmacy or dispensing doctor practice, for a named patient from the wholesaler, by utilising the flow chart. Pharmacists must follow the flow chart prior to supply of 150microgram adrenaline auto injectors other than when there is an immediate clinical need.

Further information on the protocol, actions for pharmacists and the flow chart can be found here.

DHSC has published Pharmacy and Dispensing Practice Q&A regarding EpiPen and EpiPen Junior Supply issue. This includes further information on the recommendations to healthcare professionals. You can access the Q&A here.

DHSC has also issued an updated supply disruption alert for EpiPen and EpiPen Junior. This alert provides an update to the alert dated 28 September 2018 and changes are highlighted in red text. One of the updates is inclusion of information on product availability for the different brands of adrenaline auto-injectors. Pharmacy teams are advised to review and action the alert as appropriate. 

Further details of the alert and actions to take are available here.

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