A provider briefing on the epinephrine auto-injector shortage in 2026. Auvi-Q availability, prescribing pathways, cost/access tools, and patient resources.
The epinephrine auto-injector market continues to face supply chain challenges that directly impact your patients with anaphylaxis risk. As a prescriber, staying current on which products are available — and how to access them — is critical to ensuring your patients maintain uninterrupted access to this life-saving medication.
This briefing covers the current state of Auvi-Q availability, the broader epinephrine shortage landscape, prescribing considerations, and tools to help your patients access their medication.
The supply disruptions affecting epinephrine auto-injectors are not new, but they continue to evolve:
The shortage landscape has several practical implications for prescribers:
EpiPen and its authorized generic hold approximately 90% of the epinephrine auto-injector market. When these products face shortages, the impact is widespread. Auvi-Q, manufactured independently by Kaléo, has maintained consistent supply because it uses a separate manufacturing process and distribution network.
Unlike EpiPen, Auvi-Q is not widely stocked at retail pharmacies. Prescriptions should be routed through one of two channels:
Writing a prescription for "epinephrine auto-injector" generically will likely result in the pharmacy dispensing EpiPen or its generic — not Auvi-Q. If Auvi-Q is the preferred product, specify it by brand name.
Auvi-Q is the only epinephrine auto-injector with a 0.1 mg dose for infants and toddlers weighing 16.5–33 lbs (7.5–15 kg). For this patient population, there is no auto-injector alternative. EpiPen Jr's 0.15 mg dose starts at 33 lbs.
Here's the current availability status for epinephrine auto-injectors:
For real-time availability data, Medfinder for Providers can help you and your staff determine which pharmacies have specific products in stock.
Cost remains a significant barrier to medication adherence for patients prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors:
Insurance formulary placement varies. Some plans require step therapy (generic EpiPen before Auvi-Q) or prior authorization. When submitting prior authorization, documenting the patient's preference for voice-guided instructions, the unique form factor, or the need for the 0.1 mg pediatric dose can support approval.
Register at the ASPN Prescriber Portal to electronically prescribe Auvi-Q, track prescription status, and manage refills. Prescriptions can also be called in or faxed.
Medfinder provides real-time pharmacy availability data that your staff can use to direct patients to pharmacies with epinephrine auto-injectors in stock.
Auvi-Q comes with a reusable trainer device (no needle, no medication) for practice. Kaléo also provides training videos at auvi-q.com. Consider having trainer devices available in your office for patient education.
Auvi-Q is available through authorized distributors for schools, first responders, daycares, and community organizations. Contact Kaléo for institutional purchasing information.
The epinephrine auto-injector shortage is likely to persist as a structural issue in the market. Factors driving continued supply disruption include:
Familiarizing your practice with multiple epinephrine products — including their prescribing pathways, injection techniques, and patient assistance programs — will help ensure your patients maintain access regardless of which products face shortages.
Auvi-Q offers a reliable, in-stock alternative for patients who need epinephrine auto-injectors. Its unique distribution model requires a slightly different prescribing workflow, but the ASPN Pharmacies system and Walgreens partnership provide dependable access.
For your patients who are struggling with availability or cost, direct them to Medfinder for Providers and consider enrolling them in Kaléo's copay support or patient assistance programs. For more patient-facing information, share our guide on finding Auvi-Q in stock or the patient shortage update.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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