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EpiPen patients advised to seek help from GPs as shortage continues

Belfast mother Roisin White with her two children Jonah and Jude who rely on EpiPens for their allergies. Picture Mal McCann.
Belfast mother Roisin White with her two children Jonah and Jude who rely on EpiPens for their allergies. Picture Mal McCann. Belfast mother Roisin White with her two children Jonah and Jude who rely on EpiPens for their allergies. Picture Mal McCann.

THE Department of Health has advised patients who use life-saving allergy 'EpiPen' medication to speak to their GPs for alternative treatments due to severe global shortages of the product.

Officials last night said the Health and Social Care Board is "actively monitoring" its availability and is in contact with community pharmacies.

The device is crucial to those living with allergies, reversing life-threatening symptoms of severe anaphylaxis, which if left untreated can be fatal.

The Department said there had been "intermittent supply constraints" of EpiPen medication in the UK "as a result of manufacturing delays" and that it was liaising with its counterparts in London.

Patients are being asked to retain their current EpiPens until a new supply can be found.