Mylan Pharmaceutical’s decision to increase the price of the EpiPen by 400 percent caused a nationwide outrage over the drug industry’s pricing strategies. EpiPen is an injectable medication that is administered in case of an allergic reaction to foods such as peanuts and other substances.
This life-saving drug was heavily marketed towards children with severe allergies, and legislative action even required public schools to stock EpiPens. In 2008, the cost of an EpiPen injector was priced at around $100 and is now marked up to $600. Since the news broke of this price increase, Mylan released the My EpiPen Savings Card, a drug discount program that gives commercially insured patients a discount of up to $300 on their prescription. However, those without insurance coverage or federally funded plans are not eligible for the program. The good news is that we've found three ways to save on this type of allergy medication.
Generics
Since the price increase, Mylan has announced that it will offer a generic EpiPen alternative. But at $300 per auto-injector, this Mylan generic may still pose some barriers for families across all economic backgrounds. The best way to get a lower-priced treatment is by asking your doctor to prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector instead of the branded EpiPen.
You can find a similar treatment by asking your doctor about a generic Adrenaclick, an injector with the same active ingredient, epinephrine. You can also ask your doctor about other EpiPen alternatives such as prefilled syringes that may be just as effective as the EpiPen in treating allergic reactions. Since the FDA approves and regulates generic therapies, you will still receive the same benefits of the branded medication at a much lower rate.
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| Adrenaclick is a great, lower-cost alternative to brand name EpiPen. Source: nysed.gov |
Insurance Coverage
Some patients with insurance coverage may find that their copay is more than they can afford. Talk to your doctor about appealing your insurance coverage if you find that you do not qualify for EpiPen manufacturer discounts and other patient assistance programs.
HelpRx Coupons
If you do not qualify for the manufacturer discount or are without health insurance, the HelpRx EpiPen drug coupon may be able to lower your cost at the pharmacy by up to 75%. Our EpiPen coupon can be redeemed at many pharmacies and is valid for every prescription fill. You may also be able to save more by getting a generic prescription for epinephrine, and then using our generic drug coupon at the pharmacy.
