Can I use an expired EpiPen in an emergency?

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Yes, if it's the only epinephrine you have: use it, then call 911. Western University researchers found expired EpiPens still fired properly for years, and a 2017 study found expired devices still held at least 80% of their epinephrine. Replace devices before they expire. An expired EpiPen is far better than no epinephrine. During Canada's 2018 EpiPen shortage, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia advised patients to use an expired EpiPen if no other EpiPen or epinephrine format was available, and to call 911 right afterwards. New research backs that up. At the CSACI meeting in October 2026, Western University researchers reported that 69 expired EpiPens and 61 expired EpiPen Jr devices fired consistently, with the needle out in about 0.05 to 0.06 seconds on average, though they noted that working mechanically doesn't prove full strength. In a 2017 US study of 40 devices up to 50 months past expiry, every one still held at least 80% of its labelled epinephrine. Use an in-date device first if you have one. After any dose, call 911. Then replace expired devices: if you register a ResQBand Tap Card and add the expiry date, we email you before it expires. More in does an expired EpiPen still work?

Can I use an expired EpiPen in an emergency?

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