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Published on: October 14, 2014
Anaphylaxis: Access to Epinephrine in Outpatient Setting
Emma Westermann-Clark1, Amber N Pepper1, Richard F Lockey2
1Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
Epinephrine autoinjectors are costly and inaccessible globally. Lower-cost alternatives like prefilled syringes and kits offer viable options for treating anaphylaxis, improving access to this lifesaving medication.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Epinephrine is crucial for treating anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
- Epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs) face challenges including high cost, global unavailability, and supply shortages.
- Access to timely epinephrine treatment is a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lower-cost alternatives to epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs).
- To discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of epinephrine prefilled syringes and kits.
- To describe socioeconomic factors affecting EAI access and consider infant-specific devices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and comparative analysis of available epinephrine products.
- Examination of cost-effectiveness and accessibility data for different epinephrine formulations.
- Analysis of socioeconomic determinants influencing patient access to anaphylaxis treatments.
Main Results:
- Epinephrine prefilled syringes and kits present more affordable alternatives to EAIs.
- Product availability and cost significantly impact patient access to emergency allergy treatment.
- Infant-specific EAI designs present unique considerations for pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- Lower-cost epinephrine formulations can improve access to essential anaphylaxis treatment.
- Addressing socioeconomic barriers is critical for equitable access to epinephrine.
- Further research into cost-effective and accessible epinephrine delivery systems is warranted.
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