The purchase of adrenaline pens for patients with severe allergies in Madeira has seen a significant increase since the medication became 100% subsidized. The number of acquisitions rose from 196 in 2021 to 552 last year, according to data released by the Regional Health Administration Institute (IASAÚDE).
Since the end of 2020, when adrenaline auto-injectors began to be fully subsidized, a total of 1,876 units were acquired by December of last year. IASAÚDE emphasizes that adrenaline injection is the "first option for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions," which can be fatal if treatment is not started promptly.
The president of IASAÚDE, Rubina Silva, highlighted that the 100% subsidy for this medication "allows people to reverse symptoms and even save their own lives." The regional authority's cost for this subsidy increased from approximately 10,000 euros in 2021 to over 32,800 euros in 2025. To qualify for this support, the medical prescription must expressly identify Ordinance No. 257-A/2020.
