Access barriers to epinephrine autoinjectors for the treatment of anaphylaxis: A survey of practitioners

Abstract

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and commonly prescribed for self-administration as an epinephrine autoinjector (EAI).1 More EAI prescriptions have been written during the past decade, with an annualized growth of 8% between 2004 and 2010.2 The 2016 U.S. congressional hearings reported considerable EAI price hikes coupled with increased demand.3 Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first noted EAI shortages in May 2018, shortages are ongoing, directly impacting patient care.