Critical medicines could be rationed in Australia in the wake of an EpiPen shortage that left some allergy sufferers without emergency treatment.

The EpiPen crisis, which saw pharmacies around the country drained of stock, is just one of a growing number of shortages of essential medicines, often sprung on patients with no notice.

New laws being considered by the federal government could force drug companies to report all shortages to Australia’s drug regulator as soon as they are anticipated, triggering rationing in serious cases.

Carer Ali Hogg had to spend almost two months without an EpiPen earlier this year. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Pharmaceutical companies that do not comply could be named and shamed, or face significant fines, under the potential legislation to be introduced next year.