epinephrine Autoinjector access: A Growing Concern for Food Allergy Sufferers
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CAPITAL CITY — April 23, 2024 — The rising prevalence of food allergies is creating a greater need for epinephrine autoinjectors, according to a new study. The study found that difficulties in accessing these crucial devices are impacting patients. The primary barriers include drug shortages and high costs leading to anxiety and unsatisfactory experiences. To understand these essential developments further, read on.
Epinephrine Autoinjector Access: A Growing Concern for Food Allergy Sufferers
The increasing prevalence of food allergies in the United States is creating a greater demand for epinephrine autoinjectors, a life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis. However, a recent study highlights significant barriers to obtaining these devices, including drug shortages and high costs.
The rising Tide of Food Allergies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 50% increase in food allergy prevalence since the 1990s, marking it as a serious public health concern. Current estimates indicate that approximately 6% of U.S. adults and children have food allergies.
Did You Know?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment.
Barriers to Access: A Patient Perspective
A survey conducted through the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Patient Registry explored the challenges individuals face when trying to obtain epinephrine autoinjectors. The survey, comprising 41 questions, was distributed to 10,599 registered FARE users, yielding 1884 completed responses.
Of the respondents, 98.3% (n = 1908) were prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector for food allergies. The types of autoinjectors prescribed varied, including EpiPen (34.9%), EpiPen Jr (12%), epinephrine (19.5%), Auvi-Q 0.3 (27.5%), and other brands.
However, more than a third of respondents (37.7%; n = 720) reported difficulties in obtaining these essential devices. According to the study, This study provides insight into responders’ personal experiences regarding the barriers that were faced when attempting to obtain [epinephrine autoinjectors].
Key Obstacles Identified
the survey pinpointed drug shortages (67.2%) and high costs (43.6%) as the primary barriers. Cost concerns were further emphasized in 34% of free-text comments. Out-of-pocket expenses varied significantly, with 33.1% of respondents paying over $100.
The brand of autoinjector also seemed to play a role. EpiPens were reportedly the hardest to obtain for children (38.3%), followed by epinephrine (25.9%) and Auvi-Q (13.4%).
Impact on Patients
The difficulties in obtaining epinephrine autoinjectors have a significant emotional impact. A ample 75.1% of respondents expressed concern or anxiety related to accessing their medication. Those who reported greater confidence and satisfaction levels were more likely to use their epinephrine autoinjector, particularly if they were prescribed Auvi-Q. Moreover, sticking with the originally prescribed brand appeared to reduce issues.
Despite the high prescription rate, only 44% of participants had used an epinephrine autoinjector, and just 24.3% had used one within the past year. Alarmingly,nearly a quarter of respondents (24.8%) required multiple doses when using the device.
Study Limitations and Implications
The study acknowledged limitations, including self-reported food allergy diagnoses and a response rate of 18.7%. However, the researchers noted that similar studies have had response rates ranging from 5% to 30%. They also clarified that the findings lacked objective correlations with prescription rates.
Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the urgent need for solutions. As the investigators concluded,
Insurance-related factors,high costs,and delays in obtaining prescriptions contribute to significant anxiety and dissatisfaction. Efforts to reduce costs, enhance insurance coverage, and ensure consistent training on [epinephrine autoinjectors] are also crucial for improving patient outcomes, quality of life, and reducing healthcare disparities. Ensuring equitable access to [epinephrine autoinjectors] is imperative to address these pressing concerns.
Nadia Baichoo, MA, et al.,Allergy. 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References
- Baichoo N, Fishbein J, Ponda P. Access to Epinephrine autoinjectors, the Patient Perspective. Allergy. 2025 Mar 29. doi: 10.1111/all.16534. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40156482.
- Glim, M. Digging Up the Roots of Food Allergies. NIH: Intramural Research Program. May 17,2023. https://irp.nih.gov/blog/post/2023/05/digging-up-the-roots-of-food-allergies#:~:text=If%20it%20seems%20like%20food,a%20serious%20public%20health%20concern. Accessed April 18, 2025.
- More Than a Quarter of U.S. Adults and Children Have at Least One Allergy. CDC. January 26, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220126.htm. Accessed April 18, 2025.
