The manufacturers of most epinephrine options offer U.S. savings programs and patient assistance programs.

Epinephrine is the only treatment for a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis]. It is only available through a prescription by your doctor. Most prescriptions come with 2 doses. Epinephrine is most commonly prescribed in easy-to-use options, such as auto-injectors and nasal spray.

People with food allergies should have epinephrine with them at all times. For children, this might mean that you need extra epinephrine doses. For example, your child may need to keep epinephrine at school, as well as some at after-school care. And you may want epinephrine that stays at home or goes with you when you leave the house.

Here are savings offers for epinephrine options, as well as other ideas that may help you save money on drug costs. Your final copay, if any, may vary depending on your insurance plan and the deductibles for your family. Talk with your doctor about which epinephrine option is right for your family.

Savings Programs for Epinephrine Devices

• AUVI-Q^® – AUVI-Q has 2 assistance programs. If you have commercial insurance that covers AUVI-Q, you may be able to get AUVI-Q for $35 or less. If your insurance doesn’t cover it or if you have a high-deductible plan, you’ll pay no more than $150. Eligible patients without commercial insurance or Medicaid may be able to get AUVI-Q for no cost through the Kaléo Patient Assistance Program. Call 502-213-7601 for questions.
  
  
• EpiPen^® and EpiPen Jr^® – Use The EPIPEN^® Savings Card^® to save up to $300 on your out-of-pocket cost per EPIPEN 2-PACK® and/or EPIPEN JR 2-PACK® carton per prescription refill (up to 3 cartons per prescription) and can be used for 6 cartons per calendar year. If you have questions, call 1-800-657-7613 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday). VIATRIS™ also has a patient assistance program.
  
  
• Authorized Generic of EpiPen^® and EpiPen Jr^® (Epinephrine Injection, USP) Auto-Injectors – Use the Epinephrine Injection, USP Auto-Injector Savings Card to save up to $25 on your out-of-pocket costs per generic 2-pack. It can be redeemed for up to 3 cartons per calendar year. If you have questions, call 1-800-657-7613 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday). VIATRIS™ also has a patient assistance program.

• Epinephrine Injection USP Auto-Injector, Generic from Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries – If you have commercial insurance may save up to $30 per carton, up to 3 per prescription. If you have any questions, call 1-844-248-7949.

• Authorized Generic of Adrenaclick® Epinephrine Auto-Injector – If you have commercial insurance, you may get up to $10 off per pack. If you have any questions, call 330-757-8402.
  
  CVS Health sells these generic epinephrine auto-injectors at all CVS Pharmacy locations.
  
  
• neffy® Epinephrine Nasal Spray – If you have commercial insurance, you can pay $25 for each filled prescription of 2 devices. If you don’t have insurance coverage, your plan doesn’t cover neffy, or if you have a high-deductible plan, you can pay a cash price of $199 for 2 doses of neffy using BlinkRx or GoodRX.

• The ARS Pharma Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may provide neffy at no cost if you:

  • Are a U.S. resident
  • Don’t have enough insurance
  • Don’t have insurance
  • Meet certain eligibility criteria
  • Have tried all other options to help pay for neffy
    
    
  If you have any questions, call 1-877-696-3339.
  

Other Possible Ways to Save Money

• Change insurance plans – If you are privately insured through work, see if you can shop around during open enrollment. If your family’s income is below a certain level, you might be offered Medicaid and/or your children might qualify under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This depends on your state. Visit HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance site.
  
  
• Switch to the “preferred” device for your plan – If you have prescription benefits, you may save on copays by agreeing to use the epinephrine option that is on the insurance “preferred” list.
  
  
• Use mail order – If you have prescription benefits, look into your plan’s mail order pharmacy options. This may give you a lower price or provide more two-packs of medicine for the same price. Many mail order prescription plans provide patients with a three month’s supply of medicine for the cost of two month’s copay.
  
  
• Talk with your doctor – If you have insurance, talk with your doctor. Sometimes they can write the prescription so you can get more sets of medicine for 1 copay. Typically, a 2-pack of epinephrine auto-injectors is considered a 30-day supply under your prescription plan. A doctor might write the prescription for 6 auto-injectors (3 2-packs) to be filled at once. This could then be filled through the mail order pharmacy, as described above.
  
  
• Shop around – Call around to different pharmacies. Prices can vary, especially between large chain pharmacies and smaller independent pharmacies. Be aware that the pharmacies at club stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club are generally available to non-members too.
  
  
• Check with your local children’s hospital – This option may work if your child sees doctors at a major children’s hospital. Ask if they have any grants or patient assistance programs that can help pay for your child’s prescription.
  
  
• Talk with your employer – If you have medical insurance through an employer, contact their human resources department. Explain that your insurance will not cover a life-saving medicine for you or your child. Sometimes, if you have a generous employer, they will try to help you.
  
  

Updated November 2024

Babcock Dairy Expands Recall on Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Due to Undeclared Egg

For Immediate Release

November 19, 2024

Contact Information

Heidi Zoerb
heidi.zoerb@wisc.edu

Company Announcement

Babcock Dairy of Madison, Wisconsin, is voluntarily expanding its recall on Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream that may be labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The following products are subject to recall:

• Product Name: Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter
• Production Date: 09 1724 and 09 3024.
• Size: Half Gallon

The products were produced on Sept. 17 and 30, 2024, and distributed to local retail establishments and directly to customers in Wisconsin. The issue with the first lot was discovered on the evening of Nov. 4, 2024, when a customer reported the mislabeling. The second lot was added to the recall notice after discovery on Nov. 18, 2024. There have been no reports of illness associated with consumption of these products.

During production, a limited number of Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream containers were inadvertently filled with Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream, leading to products with incorrect allergen labeling.

If you purchased one of the affected products, please check the production date located on the bottom of the container for 09 1724 (Sept. 17, 2024) or 09 3024 (Sept. 30, 2024). If your product is from the affected lot, please return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The impacted products were distributed to the following Madison, Wisconsin, area retailers: Babcock Dairy Store, Metcalfe’s Markets, Ken’s Meats & Deli and Capitol Centre Market.

Babcock Dairy Staff retrieved all the remaining products from retail outlets within hours of discovery in each incident. Out of an abundance of caution, staff searched all other lots of Orange Custard Chocolate Chip, which had not been distributed, and found no further errors. To prevent this issue from occurring again, Babcock Dairy is taking immediate corrective steps, including the retraining of employees on proper labeling procedures, implementation of multiple verification checks during production and packaging, and increased organization and separation of packaging materials to further prevent different containers from coming into contact.

Babcock Dairy is housed within UW–Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Heidi Zoerb (heidi.zoerb@wisc.edu).

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

This September, Enjoy Life Foods discontinued their chocolate bar and lentil chip products. This includes their seasonal mini varieties.

Enjoy Life will continue to make their baking chocolate products. You can use Enjoy Life’s product locator and online grocers like Instacart, Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost, Thrive Market, Walmart, and Target to buy remaining inventory of their chocolate bars and lentil chips.

You can find other chocolate and chip options in Kids with Food Allergies’ (KFA’s) Allergy-Friendly Foods and Safe Eats® Allergy-Friendly Recipe Collections.

You can also make molded chocolates and candies easily with safe for you chocolate chips or large bars. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• Molded Chocolates - Create chocolates in any shape or flavor you choose.
• Mini Chocolate Crisps - Crunchy, versatile, and bite-sized chocolate pieces.
• No-Bake Chocolate Dainties - Made with rice cereal, rice milk, sugar, and cocoa for a simple no-bake treat.
• Buckeye Candies - This popular treat is modified to be free from the most common allergens.

What alternative chocolates have you found? Share in the comments!

Join us for a free, on-demand webinar on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in young children.

EoE Care for the Littles: New Treatments and Tips from Caregivers Like You

WATCH NOW

Learn about new treatments, managing symptoms, and caring for your own mental health as a caregiver.

During the webinar, you’ll also hear answers to common caregiver questions such as:

• How do I know which foods my child should avoid?
• What should I tell other parents when my child goes on a playdate?
• How can I help my child feel less anxious before eating?
• Where can I find a therapist familiar with EoE?

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen

For Immediate Release

November 08, 2024

Contact Information

Wegmans Food Markets
1-855-934-3663

Company Announcement

RECALL DATE: NOVEMBER 8, 2024

SOLD AT WEGMANS: Yes

REASON FOR RECALL:
Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT:

UPC:

• Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken and Asian Peanut Dressing – Any Product with UPC starting with 2-27306
• Packed Dates: 11/5 – 11/8
• Sell By Dates; 11/7 – 11/10

REFUND INFORMATION: All product may be returned for a full refund.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM or Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix

For Immediate Release

November 12, 2024

Contact Information

618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or, 573-547-8345 ext. 20001

Company Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 12, 2024 - Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary’s Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The only lots involved are Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, packaged in 2 oz. cartons which have a Best By date of SEP 27 25 E07 & OCT 11 25 E09 (UPC# 41190-08394). Consumers should return the product to the store for a full refund or discard it.

The product was distributed to Wakefern distribution centers in Elizabeth, NJ. Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving a customer complaint. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this coating mix.

For questions, consumers can call Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. at 618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or, 573-547-8345 ext. 20001 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST Monday - Friday.

Welcome to our November research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact food allergy treatments, education, and awareness.

This month, we are highlighting research opportunities and news on:

• Food allergies and anaphylaxis
• Increased psychology referrals for children with food allergy
• Under-the-tongue epinephrine use in oral allergy syndrome (OAS)

Note: The links below will take you to external websites.

Latest Food Allergy News

Food Allergy

Psychology Service Referrals Are Increasing for Children with Food Allergy
Over the past 10 years, anxiety related to food allergies has greatly impacted both children and their parents. But access to mental health support is often limited. A recent study reviewed 250 cases from 2013 to 2023 where children with food allergies were referred to psychological services. On average, the children were allergic to 2 foods. Over half had a severe allergic reaction in their lifetime. Food-related anxiety affected 69% of patients, while 12% faced quality of life issues. About 60% of those referred attended at least 1 psychology appointment, averaging 5.5 follow-ups within a year. Referrals for food allergy anxiety rose sharply from 2013 to 2023, with a greater increase in 2023. This highlights the growing need for expanded psychology services to support children with food allergies and their families and caregivers.

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Anaphylm™ (Epinephrine) Sublingual Film Has Positive Results from Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) Challenge Study
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) – also called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) – is a type of allergy that can cause your mouth or throat to itch when you eat certain fruits or vegetables. Recently, Aquestive Therapeutics announced positive results from its OAS study for their product, Anaphylm. Anaphylm is an under-the-tongue epinephrine film designed to treat severe allergic reactions. The study tested Anaphylm in adults with OAS, focusing on its ability to relieve symptoms like swelling and tingling caused by allergens. Results showed that Anaphylm resolved symptoms quickly, with complete relief in 12 minutes. This response time is much faster than the initial 74 minutes without Anaphylm. The study met all primary and secondary goals, and Anaphylm was well-tolerated with only mild or moderate side effects. Aquestive plans to submit Anaphylm for FDA approval in early 2025 and hopes to launch the product in 2026. Anaphylm could offer another alternative to current epinephrine treatments for severe allergic reactions.

Chick-fil-A announced changes to their waffle fry ingredients. As of November 2024, the coating on their waffle potato fries now contains pea starch.

This ingredient change is updated on the company’s website. Because pea is not a top allergen, there is no allergen warning for this ingredient on their website or mobile app. You can find detailed allergen and ingredient information for your local restaurant on their website.

Always make sure to check the website or local restaurant for their ingredients. Always read labels carefully. Ingredients may change without warning. Ingredients can also vary based on region. Companies are required to provide up to date ingredient and allergen information, but they are not required to alert consumers about changes.

School parties and celebrations can be lots of fun but often involve food. If your child has food allergies, check out these tips to keep the fun and avoid food allergy reactions.

1. Partner with your child’s teacher before the party.

A few weeks before the party, contact your child’s teacher to find out how you can help make the party more allergy friendly. Sometimes teachers rely on room parents to help plan parties. Be sure to talk to the room parent too if needed. Here are some questions you can ask:

• Will food be provided for all the children (such as cupcakes, candy, chips, etc.)?
• Will the children be exchanging any gifts or cards that may have candy or treats attached?
• Will the teacher notify other parents and guardians about food allergy concerns?
• Will the teacher remind the children not to share food?
• Can you support the teacher by volunteering during the party or providing resources about food allergies from Kids with Food Allergies (KFA)?
  
  

If your child has a 504 plan that outlines how the school will handle your child’s food allergy during parties, this might be a good time to review it with your child’s teacher.

2. Make sure there are safe foods for your child.

Talk with the teacher or person in charge of the party in advance to find out what type of food will be at the party. If you can’t be sure that the food provided will be safe, send similar food for your child. This can sometimes cause confusion with younger kids who don’t understand why a classmate has different food. Talk to your child about how to handle questions from other students or parents.

KFA’s Allergy-Friendly Foods Collection is a great starting point when looking for packaged treats and candies free from the top allergens.

3. Encourage non-food treats.

Celebrations don’t always call for food! Non-food treats can be just as fun and are inclusive for children with all types of diet restrictions. They are healthier too. Kids love items like stickers, pencils, and other trinkets. Download KFA’s Non-Food Rewards at School handout and share it with your child’s teacher.

4. Recommend non-food activities.

When the kids are having fun, they probably won’t miss the food.

Instead of eating, kids can do fun activities in line with the theme of the party. Here are some ideas:

• Allow children to design and create handmade cards for classmates, teachers, and family using construction paper, paper doilies, glue, stickers, and other craft materials.
• Make paper flowers from tissue paper and pipe cleaners.
• Make a paper garland for the classroom.
• Allow children to decorate a mailbox or paper bag to use to collect their cards or treats.
• Have the class work together to decorate a bulletin board or the room door.
• Create origami shapes.
• Make friendship bracelets for classmates to share.
• Make little critters from pom-poms, felt, pipe cleaners, and googly-eyes.
• Host a poetry or story reading.
• Have children bring in games, puzzles, LEGOs, and other activities from home to share in small groups or simply use classroom games.
• Do Mad Libs, crossword puzzles, math problems, word searches, and writing prompts to go with the party theme.
  
  

5. Remind your child of age-appropriate food allergy management skills.

Remind your child not to eat anything if they don’t know if it is safe. Tell your child to check with you or a trusted adult about whether or not they can eat a certain food. Remind them not to share food.

You could also make an agreement with your child that they will not open candies or cards until you can check them together to see what is safe. Have some fun things to swap for anything that is not safe to eat.

Elevation Foods Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy in Hannaford Seafood Salad

For Immediate Release

October 31, 2024

Contact Information

Elevation Foods
+1 (978) 646-8950 x 104

Company Announcement

Danvers, Massachusetts. R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods is recalling 1,668 units of mislabeled Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz because it contains an undeclared Soy allergen. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recall extends to the following labels and package sizes.

• Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz
  • UPC: 0 41268 25161 2
  • Best By: 11/13/2024, 11/14/2024
  • Units: 1,668

The Use by can be found printed on the lid of the container.

The product is only sold in Hannaford stores. The product is sold in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. The products were distributed between 10/25/24 to 10/29/24 with Use by of 11/13/24 and 11/14/24. Hannaford has been notified and has removed the product from store shelves.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the printer of the labels for Hannaford Seafood Salad had provided Elevation Foods with labels that did not match the current product formulation. These labels were created for an upcoming formulation change and were shipped to Elevation Foods in error.

To date, Elevation Foods is not aware of any reports of consumer illness related to this product.

Consumers who purchased the impacted product specified above should not consume the products and can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Elevation Foods during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm +1 (978) 646-8950 x 104.

When you manage food allergies, and other conditions like asthma or eczema, health insurance can be very important. But health care can also be confusing. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives people the opportunity to get health insurance if they can’t get coverage through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, or elsewhere. People with ACA coverage also cannot be denied for pre-existing conditions.

These resources will walk you through the process, answer common questions and help you learn more about health insurance.

Health Insurance Marketplace Guide for Asthma and Allergies

What is open enrollment? How do you enroll in a Marketplace plan on HealthCare.gov? What’s the difference between a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan? What do you need to consider if you have food allergies or asthma? Get answers to these questions and more, with additional resources so you can be prepared before you sign up for Marketplace insurance.

Understanding Health Care Changes

Each year, there are new changes to the ACA. Before you purchase a plan, you need to be aware of changes for the upcoming year. This summary of ACA changes provides helpful information like essential terms and how to get more help.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford Epinephrine Devices

Even with health insurance, life-saving epinephrine might not be affordable for everyone. Learn what options are available and how to reduce your out-of-pocket cost on the epinephrine devices currently available in the U.S.

Updated October 2024

Grand Central Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie

For Immediate Release

October 26, 2024

Contact Information

Grand Central Bakery
503-232-0575
retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com

Company Announcement

October 25, 2024, Grand Central Bakery Portland, OR and Seattle, WA is recalling U- Bake frozen pie products and frozen pie dough because they may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product

The affected U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie products have expiration dates between 02/01/2025 and 04/20/2025. These pie products were sold between August 1, 2024, and October 20, 2024, and are packaged in clear plastic packaging with Grand Central Bakery branded sticker labels containing product identity. The expiration date sticker can be found on the exterior of the packaging.

U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie were sold at all Grand Central Bakery Café located in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Grand Central Bakery Café locations are listed below:

Seattle Area:

• Burien - 626 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166
• Eastlake - 198 E Blaine St, Seattle, WA 98102
• Wallingford - 1607 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
• Wedgewood - 7501 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Portland Area:

• Beaumont - 4440 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
• Cedar Mill - 12595 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229
• Hawthorne - 2230 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
• Hillsboro - 118 SE 2nd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
• Mississippi - 714 N Fremont St, Portland, OR 97227
• Multnomah Village - 3425 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
• Sellwood - 7987 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
• Woodstock - 4412 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after an employee noted that egg was added to the above pie dough products and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Customers who still have the affected product on hand are advised to contact our GCB café support team at retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com or our website’s contact page https://www.grandcentralbakery.comExternal Link Disclaimer to receive a refund. Customers may also contact Grand Central Bakery at 503-232-0575 Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.