Generic Epinephrine Injectors Available to Clinics and Hospitals
Sandoz is working to make its epinephrine 0.3 mg and 0.15 injections available to the retail market, which would enable individuals to obtain this medicine at local pharmacies.
Sandoz announced Wednesday its wholesale customers are “fully stocked” with the company’s generic 0.3 mg epinephrine injection (Symjepi), making it available to clinics and hospitals in the United States.1The drug is indicated for emergency treatment of serious and life-threatening allergic reactions.1-2
According to Sandoz, a division of Novartis, the company also is working to make its epinephrine 0.3 mg and 0.15 injections available to the retail market, which would enable individuals to obtain this medicine at local pharmacies.1Both of these products provide 2 single-dose injection syringes of epinephrine.2
The availability of Sandoz’ epinephrine products to hospitals and clinics follows periods of shortages for the drug. In August 2018, the drug shortage led the FDA to announce an expiration date extension for some epinephrine products. The change to recommend use beyond the approved 20-month shelf life was based on stability data provided by pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and market existing epinephrine products, and reviewed by the FDA.2
Epinephrine is indicated to treat anaphylactic food reactions, such as those caused by nut allergies; insect bites and stings; and exercised-induced anaphylaxis.2
Sandoz’ 0.15 mg auto-injector is indicated for patients weighing between 33 and 65 pounds, and who are determined to be at risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions.2
The 0.3 mg epinephrine auto-injector is indicated for patients weighing 66 pounds or greater.2
In addition to making public the availability of its generic epinephrine products through wholesalers, Sandoz announced Wednesday the launch of its SYMJEPI Savings Program.1
Through the program, eligible patients are given a lower price for epinephrine or receive a prescription at no cost. The program is currently available through hospital pharmacies, but is expected to expand to the retail market.1
References
- Update on SYMJEPI™ (epinephrine) in the US [news release]. Princeton, NJ; May 8, 2019: Sandoz website.https://www.us.sandoz.com/news/media-releases/update-symjepi-epinephrine-us. Accessed May 8, 2019.
- Coppock K. FDA Approves New Epinephrine Product for Children.Pharmacy Times.https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/fda-approves-new-epinephrine-product-for-children/. Published September 29, 2018. Accessed May 8, 2019.
