Allergies: these adrenaline pens are out of stock, warns ANSM

In its news of Thursday, August 8, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) warns of supply tensions for Anapen adrenaline auto-injector pens, used as emergency treatment for allergic reactions severe that we know under the term of anaphylactic shock.

Currently, Anapen 300 micrograms (µg) pens are out of stock. “From September, 150 µg and 500 µg pens will also be out of stock”, underlines the ANSM which specifies that “la rmade fully available Anapen pens are scheduled to be released during the first quarter 2025”. So, what is the course of action and what are the availability of other pens? Let’s take stock.

Adrenaline pens: how to explain the supply shortage and what should patients do?

According to the ANSM this rupture “is not due to a quality defect”. In fact, according to the laboratory, this delay in supply is explained by a transfer of production site. Also, “Patients who currently have an Anapen pen can use it until its expiration date,” adds the ANSM.

Also, patients are advised not to request replacement of auto-injectors before the expiration date. In addition, at the next medical appointment, if the need arises (i.e. when renewing your prescription or if the pen has already been used), “The doctor will prescribe you an auto-injector of a brand other than Anapen. Your doctor will train you to use this pen”specifies the ANSM.

For holders of an Anapen 500 micrograms (µg) adrenaline pen “Your doctor may prescribe one or two 300 µg pens of another brand, depending on your clinical situation.”

Adrenaline Pen Supply: What is the Current Situation?

The ANSM specifies that “Difficulties in obtaining adrenaline auto-injectors are recurring.” Also, “in order to assist healthcare professionals when prescribing these medicines”ANSM publishes the availability of adrenaline auto-injectors at the national level“based on stock and supply data transmitted by the laboratories”. And the authors specify that “this information will be updated periodically”.

As of August 9, 2024, the laboratory’s stock and supplies cover the need for a period of more than 1 month:

• Epipen 0.15 mg/0.3 ml pre-filled pen injectable solutions from the Viatris laboratory;
• Jext 150 µg pre-filled pen injectable solutions from the ALK Abello SA laboratory;
• Jext 300 µg pre-filled pen injectable solutions from the ALK Abello SA laboratory;
• Jext 300 µg pre-filled pen injectable solutions from the ALK Abello SA laboratory.

As of August 9, 2024, the laboratory’s stock and supplies cover the need for a period of 15 days to 1 month:

• Anapen 150 µg/0.3 ml pre-filled syringe injectable solutions from the Bioprojet Pharma laboratory;
• Anapen 500 µg/0.3 ml pre-filled syringe injectable solutions from the Bioprojet Pharma laboratory.

As of August 9, 2024, the laboratory’s stock and supplies cover the need for a period less than 15 days.

• Anapen 300 µg/0.3 ml pre-filled syringe injectable solutions from the Bioprojet Pharma laboratory.

Source :

• Anapen adrenaline pen supply tensions: recommendations and availability of other pens – National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) – 08/08/2024