Access to Epinephrine

Quick access to epinephrine, the first-line treatment for a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction, is critical for individuals managing food allergies. Delayed administration of epinephrine has been implicated in contributing to fatalities, according to the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.

For those without a previously diagnosed allergy or anyone who experiences a reaction and doesn't have epinephrine with them, having access to undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors – devices that are not prescribed to a particular individual and may be stocked in public places – can be life-saving.

FARE works to increase the availability of undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors through legislation at the national and state levels.

• K-12 School Access to Epinephrine: Nearly every state has passed legislation regarding stocking undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors in K-12 schools. Click here for more information about school access to epinephrine.
• College and University Access to Epinephrine: Four states have college and university-specific legislation that allows post-secondary education institutions to stock undesignated epinephrine on campuses. Click here for more information about epinephrine on college campuses. In other states, colleges and universities may be covered under legislation that allows public venues, referred to as entities, to stock undesignated epinephrine. Click here for more information about public access to epinephrine.
• Public Access to Epinephrine: Several states have passed legislation that permits various public venues (such as daycare centers, theme parks and sports venues), referred to as entities, to stock undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency use. Click here for more information about public access to epinephrine
• Encouraging the FDA to approve a needle-free alternative: In spring and fall of 2023, FARE mobilized the food allergy community to encourage the FDA to approve neffy®, a needle-free epinephrine delivery device. Following the FDA’s decision against approving neffy, FARE sent this follow-up letter to the FDA to gather more information about this outcome.

FARE is actively involved in a number of state efforts to expand access to epinephrine. If you are interested in learning more about what is happening in your state and how to get involved, please use our Contact Us form and select Advocacy for your subject line.