What Are Your Options for Epinephrine Auto-Injectors?

Epinephrine is a lifesaving medicine for people with severe allergies. It’s awful to think that some Americans have to choose between putting food on the table and putting an epinephrine auto-injector in their child’s backpack.

It is important to discuss with your physician about what is the most appropriate prescription for your family. You may also need to find out which options your insurance provider prefers. This will affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Each device has its own unique set of instructions. Understanding those differences is important so that you get the device you want and you know how to use it.

Pharmacists must follow state and federal regulations when filling your prescription for epinephrine. You should keep this in mind when filling your prescription.

Current Available Epinephrine Auto-Injectors in the United States

• Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector
  
  Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector, made by Lineage Therapeutics, is the authorized generic of Adrenaclick®. It is available in a package of two injectors. Trainers are available upon request. Lineage Therapeutics offers a co-pay coupon card.
  
  In addition, CVS Health is selling these generic epinephrine auto-injectors at all CVS Pharmacy locations at a cash price of $109.99 for a two-pack.

Watch the training video for Lineage's Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector.

• AUVI-Q®
  
  Kaléo regained the rights to the epinephrine auto-injector with a relaunch on February 14, 2017. The company is offering discounts through its AUVI-Q AffordAbility™ program. AUVI-Q will be available free of charge to patients with a household income of less than $100,000 who do not have government or commercial prescription drug coverage. The company said those with commercial insurance, including those with high-deductible plans, will be able to obtain AUVI-Q for $0 out-of-pocket. Kaléo said the $0 out-of-pocket cost will also apply to those whose insurance will not cover the cost of AUVI-Q. Order directly from Kaléo by giving the enrollment formto your doctor. Call 1-877-30-AUVI-Q for questions about eligibility.

Watch the training video for Kaléo's AUVI-Q epinephrine auto-injector.

• EpiPen™ and EpiPen Jr™
  
  EpiPen™ and EpiPen Jr™ made by Mylan, come as a twin pack with a trainer. Mylan offers a co-pay coupon card to reduce out-of-pocket expenses up to a maximum of $300 per EpiPen 2-Pak® carton. Mylan also offers a patient assistance program for patients who meet their eligibility requirements.

Watch the training video for EpiPen™ and EpiPen Jr™.

• Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector
  
  Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector, made by Mylan, is the first authorized generic (AG) for EpiPen™. Find details at MyGenericEAI.com. The website includes a coupon for a $25 savings card for the generic epinephrine auto-injector.

Watch the training video for Mylan's Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector.

Options on the Horizon

Generics

• The FDA rejected Teva’s application for a generic EpiPen™ earlier this year. Teva reports, “[Its] epinephrine product will be significantly delayed and that any launch will not take place before 2017.”

New Compact Designs

• Oval Medical is testing a new, compact auto-injector that may enter the UK market in 2019.
  
  
• Windgap Medical is also designing a new, compact auto-injector. They anticipate submitting it for FDA consideration in 2018.

Originally published September, 2016. Updated January 2017.