Is there a substitute for EpiPen?

Auvi-Q. Introduced by Sanofi pharmaceuticals in 2012, the Auvi-Q epinephrine autoinjector is now produced by the company kaléo. Auvi-Q offers audio-guided autoinjection that delivers the same type of drug as an EpiPen.

Is there a monopoly on Epipens?

Mylan also has a virtual monopoly on epinephrine auto-injectors simply because there are almost no other products like it, either branded or generic. Mylan has a patent on the drug-device combo until 2025. Trying to create an EpiPen generic is an expensive and risky endeavor, said Sherkow.

How long can I keep an unused EpiPen?

Typically, the expiration dates for most drugs are set at two or three years from the time of manufacture. EpiPens have an even shorter shelf life—about 18 months.

Who owns the patent for EpiPen?

In March 2008, Sciele Pharma acquired Twinject from Verus and later that year, Sciele was acquired by Shionogi. In 2007, Mylan acquired the right to market the EpiPen from Merck KGaA as part of a larger transaction. At that time annual sales were around $200 million and the EpiPen had about 90\% of the market.

Is EpiPen price gouging?

EpiPens cost just $100 in 2007, when Mylan first acquired the rights to sell the product, but skyrocketed to more than $600 by 2016. The action shined a spotlight on the high cost of medication in the United States.

Can you survive anaphylaxis without treatment?

Anaphylaxis happens fast and produces serious symptoms throughout the entire body. Without treatment, symptoms can cause serious health consequences and even death.

How long can you keep an expired EpiPen?

Injectable epinephrine kits come in various brands, including EpiPen, Twinject, and Avi-Q. All of these devices have a relatively short shelf life due to the instability of epinephrine: approximately one year from the date of manufacture.

What does rev mean on an EpiPen?

Rev = revised. That is the month/year the label used on the bottle was last revised by the manufacturer and approved by the FDA.

Is epinephrine a generic?

EpiPen, also known by its generic name as epinephrine, is a prescription-only brand name medication made by Mylan. EpiPen was initially approved in 1989, but its active ingredient, epinephrine was first synthesized in 1906.

What is the difference between EpiPen and Adrenaclick?

The fact that the Adrenaclick has two caps that you need to remove before use, while the EpiPen only has one, can lead to confusion. Also, the Adrenaclick injector, despite its name, doesn’t actually ‘click’ after you use it, like the EpiPen does.

Why is there an EpiPen shortage?

In early May 2018, the FDA first declared a national shortage of Mylan’s EpiPen, EpiPen Jr and the equivalent generic devices, citing “manufacturing delays” at the Pfizer Inc. facility in Missouri that produces the epinephrine devices.

How much does an EpiPen cost with insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of a dual pack epi-pen is about $110. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had an epi-pen, it’s recommended that you carry two. When I bought my epi a year ago, I paid $88 but the price was for the pack of two and included a small pharmacy insurance discount.

Can you get a cheaper EpiPen?

Yes , cheaper options are now available after much controversy about the high price of this life-saving drug. In fact, the first generic version of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine) auto-injector, from Teva Pharmaceuticals, was approved in August 2018.

How much does a generic EpiPen cost?

However, Mylan now offers the authorized generic for Epipen for roughly $150 to $350 for a two-pack, depending upon the pharmacy and if you use an online coupon. Another option is a product known as Adrenaclick, which is an epinephrine auto-injector that is similar to EpiPen but made by the manufacturer Impax.

How much are generic EpiPens?

The price of brand name EpiPen is often out of reach for many patients. However, Mylan now offers the authorized generic for Epipen for roughly $150 to $350 for a two-pack, depending upon the pharmacy and if you use an online coupon.