The EpiPen price surge has been making the news rounds lately as just another example of pharmaceutical companies with life-saving treatments raising drug prices to increase profits. As the ultimate case in point, EpiPen costs have increased to about $600 for a pack of two – a substantial price hike from the $100 when Mylan acquired it in 2007.
But does a decent, cheaper alternative exist? Yes, according to Consumer Reports. Here’s how to try and get one.
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1. Avoid asking for Teva's generic version of the EpiPen. It did not get approval from the Food and Drug Administration due to "certain major deficiencies.”
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2. Do ask your doctor to write a prescription for "generic Adrenaclick.” While it is not the same delivery system, they do both contain epinephrine in equal dosages. You have to ask for this specifically. If your prescription says EpiPen, you can only be given an EpiPen. Unlike with other medications, your pharmacist cannot simply switch the cheaper generic.
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3. Next, get a coupon from GoodRx to substaintially lower the $400 (without insurance) price tag. This could reduce costs to around $142. For those with insurance, the manufacturer offers a co-pay coupon to lower the price.
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4. If the price is still much higher than that, ask your pharmacy about discounts.
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5. Consult your pharmacist and read the instructions carefully – the device does not work in the same way as the EpiPen. Consider scheduling a training session, particularly for youth.
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6. For more information, check out this in-depth coverage by Consumer Reports.
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[H/T: Consumer Reports]
