National EpiPen shortage exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic, experts say
Families are being forced to fork out for children's EpiPens, as chemists warn of nation-wide medication shortages.
The devices normally have an 18-month life span - but they are in short supply due to the pandemic.
It means parents are forced to purchase more frequently with some spending more than $100 for those with a four-month shelf life.
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Parents are being froced to spend more on EpiPens due to the medication arriving with short expiry dates.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia national vice-president Anthony Tassone said his pharmacy was unable to find EpiPen Jrs with an expiry date beyond July.
Following major shortages in 2019, Australia's supply of EpiPen Jrs was briefly resolved before the COVID-19 pandemic began, triggering panic buying of the medication.
Mr Tassone told the Sydney Morning Herald border closures are also contributing to the shortages.
"Pharmacists are frustrated that their patients are put in this situation," Mr Tassone said.
"Often the pharmacy won't know what the expiry date will be until they receive the goods."
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The national shortage has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, experts say. Getty
Under Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme parents are able to purchase two in-date Epipens at once, with two costing roughly $40.
However due to the expiry date, which also requires more frequent doctor's appointments, parents are being forced to buy EpiPens much more frequently.
Allergy and Prophylaxis Australia Chief Executive Maria Said is calling for discounts on the medication for families who have purchased EpiPen Jrs with a short expiry date.
"It's expensive and parents have to remember to replace the devices within a short space of time."
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