FAQ

Why don't EpiPens have longer dating?

EpiPen's are imported from the United States. The internal vial with the active ingredient (adrenaline) is produced in one manufacturing plant and then transferred and assembled into the pen device in another location and facility within the United States. It is then shipped to Australia. Once received into Australia, the NZ stock requirement is re-consigned and shipped over to New Zealand. The time span between initial manufacturing/assembling and then receipt into NZ is an accumulation of transit times as well as the processes and protocols required to be followed at each point of the distribution chain.

The internal adrenaline vial within EpiPen is originally manufactured with a shelf life of 20 months. By the time stock is received into NZ however, the best dating most typically received will be between 12 & 15 months.
We always hold the best available dated Epipen's in New Zealand as we acknowledge that the EpiPen's are expensive and we want to give our customers the best value for money that we can.

 

How should I store my EpiPen?

In a cool dark place at room temperature, between 15-25°C, but not refrigerated, as temperatures below 15°C may damage the injector mechanism. In an insulated wallet if a person carrying a device is outside for an extended time in the heat (such as hiking or at the beach). Where they are readily available and not in a locked cupboard.

How should I dispose of my expired EpiPen?

You can take your EpiPen to any pharmacy for safe disposal. You may also wish to use your expired EpiPen for training purposes (e.g. by safely injecting the device into a citrus fruit such as an orange).