Mylan Pharmaceuticals EpiPen can be a life-saving drug for people with certain severe allergies. But there’s currently a nationwide shortage.

These days it’s hard for Brittani Mica to be a foodie. She has to be extra cautious around her son Liam, because he’s allergic to eggs and peanuts.

“We are constantly checking labels and we can control it from home, which is great. But it’s pretty scary when he’s out and about,” Mica said.

While Liam's food is safe at home, his mom needs to carry an EpiPen when they are out, just in case of an emergency.

“Finding them for him this last time was pretty difficult. We had to call around a little bit,” Mica said.

Allergists like Dr. Ulrike Ziegner from the Riviera Allergy Medical Center help patients find pharmacies that have the treatment in stock. But it’s still a struggle.

“It has been a problem. It has continued to be a problem,” Dr. Ziegner said.

EpiPens are a necessity for families with children with allergies, but a two-pack of the drug can cost more than $600. The drug's relatively short shelf life is another reason why families have to continuously restock, and if it’s not stored at room temperature, it could get damaged.

Dr. Ziegner saw the storage of this costly drug as a pain point for her patients. To help, she created the PenGo insulated bag. She says it can protect EpiPens and other Epinephrine auto-injectors for at least three hours when travelling.

The shortage is dire for patients. According to Dr. Ziegner, an expired EpiPen isn't likely to be toxic, it just might not be as effective. Dr. Ziegner recommends keeping the expired auto-injector, just in case.

“If nothing else, what the heck. Use it,” said Dr. Ziegner.

The Food and Drug Administration agrees.

Recently, officials announced that Mylan Pharmaceuticals EpiPens can be used 18 months past their expiration. That should buy Mica a bit more time before she has to buy a new one for Liam. Another pharmaceutical company is trying to close the gap. The FDA approved a new generic version of the EpiPen, but it could take months before it hits the market. Until then Mica and her son will have to hold on to what they have.