The generic epipen is exactly the same as the regular one, but doesn’t include the trainer. They just responded to congressional pressure.
I received an email yesterday from CVS that they are carrying the Epipen generic for a cash price of $109.99 for the two pack.
The lower price injector offered at CVS is the authorized generic version of Adrenaclick (same drug, different injector from a different company). People switching from Epipen or the generic version of Epipen should check the instructions on any differences in how to use each product.
^^^^
video from Adrenaclcik manufacturer on how to use
http://adrenaclick.com/how_to_use_adrenaclick_epinephrine_injection_USP_auto_injector.php
I don’t what kind of safety testing they would need to do for the injector alone (maybe someone in the industry like @bunsenburner could comment on), but from what I know of the cost of getting new products to market, the most expensive part of it is the clinical trials for the medicine itself, to show a)it is effective and b)is safe. You don’t as far as I know how to run double blind studies and the like for an injector, I assume they would have to show tests that show it can deliver the right amount and won’t cause other issues, like a needle breaking off, but I doubt they use full clinical trials for that, and it should be a lot less costly. With epinephrine, a and b are pretty obvious, with it on market so long not exactly much open in terms of safety or effective doses. I doubt very much a new pen delivery mechanism justified a 600% increase in the cost.
It also was reported that several large hedge funds were pushing Mylen to boost profits from existing revenue stream, and I would bet that is behind this.
cvs is now reporting that they’re selling another generic Epi Pen for $10:
http://www.mentalfloss.com/article/90900/cvs-now-sells-epipen-alternative-little-10
Suck on that, Mylan.
As someone who has to carry an EpiPen most of the year (I have a severe bee sting allergy), I am very glad to hear about the alternatives available. I’ve been pretty outraged about this.
Re: #24
Note that in 2015, Sanofi recalled its Auvi-Q epinephrine auto-injector due to concerns of inaccurate doses, reducing the competition in the market for epinephrine auto-injectors. So, even if the regulatory standards are different for devices versus drugs, there is still the need to make sure that the auto-injector mechanism is error-free. Such testing and verification (generally considered necessary) effectively creates a barrier to entry, reducing competition.
I am required to have an Epipen to receive my allergy drops. The likelihood of me needing one is very small, although I understand why it must be available. I do not agree they need to come in 2 packs, nor do I believe they become ineffective on day 366.
I’ve given D 13 years of daily shots, and have given livestock hundreds of shot. I’m confident of my ability to draw a syringe and give myself epinephrine. That would cost a couple of bucks, or less. I’m going to ask my dr. if this is acceptable at my next 6 month appointment. We’ll see…
I have never yet used my epi-pen but my MDs required me to start carrying them because my lung function is very low and I have quite a few allergies.
My understanding is that you need one epi-pen for every 15 minutes between when you are injected and when you get to the ER. I have been told you NEED to go to the ER after using the pen. The only time I eve had epiphedrine administered was at my allergist’s office after a bad case of full body hives following an allergy shot. I had to sit at the office for 2 hours so they could observe me and be sure the reaction had subsided. I always ask for the furthest out expiration date on the epi-pens as mine always expire.
My mom says one of her friends died when an expired Epi-pen didn’t stop the allergic reaction. I’d like to stop need to buy Epi-pens but doubt my docs will ever agree.
I am glad to hear of the new and reasonably priced CVS pen. My peanut allergic D had the shock of her life when she attempted to fill her prescription with limited med coverage after leaving the family insurance. She has been living with an expired epi pen for a while, though recently new insurance kicked in and she was able to get a new one. NIH has done a study and expired epi pens still are effective for a time.
During my appointment with the family allergist, I asked about getting her a prescription for a vial and syringe. She has a slower anaphylaxis, and is capable of learning to use a syringe. He said he’s have to talk to the attorneys for his practice. But…she needs to see him herself, and that bronze level coverage has hefty specialist co pays.
Epi pens don’t last long, and expire after 18 months to 2 years or so. For a kid too young to self carry, one is needed at school, and others in the house, and car. For a $5.00 med, no big deal. For a $500 med, the cost is crippling.
I am incensed, as this cost insanity will cause deaths in those who just can’t afford it.
So here’s the affordable alternative I mentioned above:
http://www.epinephrineautoinject.com/
Here’s the link to the coupon for a $0 copay: https://sservices.trialcard.com/Coupon/Epinephrine
Basically, there are currently the following options:
Adrenaclick
generic version of Adrenaclick
EpiPen
generic version of EpiPen
The maker of Auvi-Q says that it will be coming back this year.
Here is a $0 copay coupon for the original Epipen/Epipen Jr from Mylan for eligible patients. You can fill it out and print at home, bring to the pharmacy with the script - you don’t have to wait to get your money back. Worked for me even though my insurance has a penalty when generic is available.
I just read an article that said Adrenaclick is not considered a generic version of EpiPen (as alluded to in @ucbalumnus ’ post #32). What this means is that you can’t use a prescription for the $600 EpiPen to get the $100 Adrenaclick. You have to ask your doctor specifically for an Adrenaclick script.
Just FYI for those considering switching from one to the other.
@anomander all we did was call the pediatrician and ask them to phone it in to the pharmacy. Super easy.
Partly right. The other $595 (less a couple of bucks for the plastic) goes to line the pockets of Big Pharma.
32 does not say that Adrenaclick is a generic version of EpiPen. It is a competitor from a different company.
Back when there was another company that made a pen called twinject (now out of business), I just asked my md prescribe that and had a coupon so NO copay.
Often on the website for epipen (and other manufacturers, there is a coupon so SOME qualifying folks have minimal or no copay S for their epi-pen. I don’t ever remember having more than a minimal copay for my epi-pen, as I’d hunt down coupons before the time I’d get my MD to prescribe me a new one because my existing one expired.
The big issue with many of the coupons is they are not valid for folks on Medicare or Medicaid, even if they also have private insurance! This is a huge limitation.
@ucbalumnus I actually meant the opposite of how you read my post. Your post showed that Adrenaclick was not a generic for EpiPen, but didn’t explicit call it out. Therefore “alluded” for those of us that like to read between the lines. There’s probably some grammatically correct way I could’ve worded my post so it wasn’t ambiguous - sorry about that.