Buzz
If you rely on an EpiPen for severe allergic reactions, you've likely seen its price soar in recent years. The injectors now cost upwards of $600 and expire annually, which may tempt you to keep an expired one or even forgo it altogether. However, there's an alternative: Adrenaclick, a different device that delivers the same medication.
As per GoodRx, a two-pack of Adrenaclick injectors is priced as low as $142 with a free coupon. Although still not inexpensive, it offers some relief. (The listed price covers both the brand-name Adrenaclick and its generic version.) The devices work differently, though: for instance, Adrenaclick has two caps to remove instead of one. Be sure to read the instructions carefully.
Since the devices are distinct, your pharmacist can't automatically replace EpiPen with Adrenaclick if your prescription specifies EpiPen. You'll need to request your doctor to prescribe the alternative. Also, confirm that Adrenaclick is included in your insurance coverage by calling the number on your insurance card.
If you're sticking with EpiPens, their manufacturer, Mylan, is providing a coupon that reduces your copay by $100. (They refer to it as a 'no copay' coupon, but read the fine print carefully.) This allows them to maintain the inflated prices for insurance companies and for those without the coupon. It’s a typical strategy employed by pharmaceutical companies, and it’s perfectly legal.
Price gouging is also a factor here. The Senate Judiciary Committee has requested Mylan to provide an explanation for their price increases, with the aim of uncovering any potential antitrust law violations. However, if Mylan raised prices simply because they wanted to, that would be completely legal. You can read more about this situation in the link below.
Updated 8/25/2014 to clarify that, as pointed out by a commenter, the lowest prices are found in listings that include Adrenaclick’s generic version.
