10/19/17 blog post
getting a handle on the cost of epinephrine
By Dr. David Morris
It was nearly one year ago when Heather Bresch (CEO of Mylan—makers of EpiPen) had to answer before congress for the 500 percent increase in EpiPen prices. For families using this vital product to treat their children who suffer from life threatening allergies this was unthinkable!
Fast forward one year and the landscape for patient choice has definitely changed for the better. Patients now have several lower cost options. The following list details the current options (in no particular order). Videos on use of the products and payment assistance have been included where available.
- EpiPen: In response to criticism, the makers of EpiPen have offered a co-pay card for patients with commercial insurance*. This card offers up to $300 in savings on their generic EpiPen product. The cards can be used on multiple purchases from now through December 31st, 2017.
- Instructional video: https://www.epipen.com/about-epipen/how-to-use-epipen
- Payment information: https://www.epipen.com/copay-offer/
- Auvi Q: This device talks the user through the instructions for use. This product took a break from the market in 2015, but returned this February. The makers are now offering the product for $0 co-pay for commercial insurance*.
- Instructional video: https://vimeo.com/198424364
- Payment information: https://www.auvi-q.com/affordability/
- Adrenaclick (generic): This device was available for several years. However, not many pharmacies stocked it until recently. In January 2017, CVS pharmacy partnered with the makers of this device to make the generic option for this device more readily available. Their website offers a two pack for ~$110 regardless of insurance. There is also a co-pay card, which will provide at least $50 of assistance regardless of insurance.
- Instructional video: http://adrenaclick.com/how_to_use_adrenaclick_epinephrine_injection_USP_auto_injector.php
- Payment information: https://sservices.trialcard.com/Coupon/Epinephrine
- Symjepi: This device is a syringe prefilled with epinephrine (it will not fire automatically). The user must inject the patient and the plunger stops when enough medication has been delivered. The only approved device is for patients greater than 66 pounds. There is no option for smaller children currently. This device is not yet available in pharmacies and the company has not set a price.
*Commercial insurance: Includes most non-government run plans. Please consult with your insurer and product manufacturer prior to making any purchasing decisions. Unfortunately, uninsured patients cannot take advantage of these savings.
Disclaimer: The above information is not meant to endorse any specific product and is provided for the benefit of patient choice. Dayton Children’s Hospital has no relationship with any of the entities above.
