Currently, there is an allocation issue with the distribution of EpiPens in the Canadian Market.

This means local pharmacies throughout the Pembina Valley can still obtain EpiPen stock, however because of the limited supply small pharmacies may only be able to order one epinephrine injector per day.

People who are susceptible to anaphylactic shock are still able to obtain a pen says Regional Director of Pharmacy for Southern Health Sante Sud Kyle MacNair. He says those with severe allergies should be proactive and prepare before an emergency occurs.

"Say your EpiPen is expiring in a month, or in a couple of weeks, if you let the pharmacy know that you need one they can probably set one aside or order you one. If this is something someone urgently needs it's just being prepared. "

MacNair notes that if a pharmacy is out of stock they could likely obtain one on short notice. Contacting three pharmacies MacNair says they all had a supply of EpiPens and if they were out of stock could order a few for the next day.

Pfizer, the manufacturer for EpiPens, they are experiencing supply constraints. MacNair notes, in the past few years medications can often go on backorder, which means they can not be acquired for a period of time. He says that's not the case with EpiPens, which are being distributed carefully so there is no stockpiling.

Epinephrine helps relieve some of the symptoms from a reaction says MacNair, which is only a short-term solution. He says even if administered a person should still go to the emergency room.