Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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353. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide information regarding the number of persons prescribed Epipen; the figure for Epipen out of stocks; and the number of product recalls over the past year [43754/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Epipen is one of three brands of adrenaline auto-injectors on the Irish market. These are Anapen, Epipen and Jext. Each product range includes two different strengths: a 300mcg/ml adrenaline solution for treatment of adults and a 150mcg/ml adrenaline solution for treatment of children.

There are currently no supply issues regarding Apapen or Anapen Junior, Epipen or Jext 300mcg and Jext 150mcg.

There is however no supply of Epipen Junior product due to a manufacturing issue. This product is expected to come back into stock on 19 November 2014.

There have been no recalls of the Anapen or Anapen Junior products or Epipen or Epipen Junior products in Ireland in the last year. In February 2014 there was a recall of three batches of Jext 150mcg and four batches of Jext 300mcg as a result of a quality defect issue. Unaffected stock became available at the time making it possible to replace the recalled pens.

There is no information available on the number of persons prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors. The only information available relates to the number of adrenaline auto-injectors reimbursed under the HSE’s community drugs schemes. This information is currently being collated and will be will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.