EPI PEN UPDATE: Generic Competitor 1/6th the price!

How fantastic is that?!  I wish they were able to sell one individually for $54.99, but maybe for some reason that wasn't possible. That would have made it easier for those folks really counting their pennies. Anyway, It's a whole lot less than $600.00! 

I really like CVS.  We have one about 10 minutes from my house where I get my prescriptions and that pharmacy (it's workers there) are so polite and friendly compared to the Giant pharmacy we used to go to.  Also we have one about 20 minutes away that has a pharmacy in it that is open 24/7. That comes in handy in an emergency. 

You have to have a dual pack because 1 doesnt always work. You may need to give the second one.

Our insurance covers EpiPens with a $30 co pay. We get 2 dual packs. One for home, one for school.

Removing my post isn't possible but I incorrectly stated how long to hold the epi for and don't wan't to confuse anyone!

I'm guessing it will be even cheaper with insurance.
The whole epi-pen price increase makes me sick.

Our pharmacist said to expect mark-ups on some insulin and steroids.

      That makes complete sense-thanks for letting me know why you have to buy a two pack. I've never used an Epi-Pen nor does anyone in my household had a reason to use one. In a life or death situation-having one pen fail on you (which could certainly happen) having a second pen available to use makes perfect sense. 

I appreciate that they're offering it but for us, it IS important for my daughter to be familiar with it. Yes, she could practice with a new trainer but she has already practiced for years with the epi pen and it's more likely that others would be more familiar with it as well. Plus the fact that our new insurance doesn't cover meds bought at CVS.

Also, the epi only lasts a few minutes. So a second dose may be necessary if you don't get to medical help within 15 or 20 minutes.

I should clarify-3 seconds is the new recommendation only for the epi pen. The other brands are still 10 seconds, I believe. That makes it really confusing.

I hadn't heard this.  I just checked the expiration date on my EPI Pen and it states 10 seconds right on the pen itself.  Is it that you only need to hold it for 3 seconds or is 10 seconds bad?  I sit in the allergist's office every few weeks getting shots.  I'm surprised there isn't a note up on the wall alerting people.

This study is about the risk of lacerations. It's headed by the same lady that made the video posted. She's in one of our fb allergy groups and has done so much for the industry.

www.annemergmed.com/article/S0196-0644(15)00588-0/fulltext

I still think she is being over dramatic.  If the price difference were a few bucks different and the one company wasn't gouging the hell out of people I would stick with the epi pen.  The pen is just not that different- other then the exposed needle and I don't think anyone is going to be brandishing the adrenaclick around after administering the medicine. 

Regarding people not being trained, I think that will not be a big problem.  We are trained as staff every year for the epi pen and we were trained this last year with another type of pen too- I believe anyone administering the medicine has to be trained every year.  I know for a fact in our state they do.  I imagine this year we will be practicing with the Adreniclick as well as the Epi Pen and whatever generic we did last year.  Also for those of us that need to carry the pen- the doctor always makes me demonstrate for him and the pharmacist always asks if I  want to practice when I pick it up.  None of them are rocket science, they are made that if they need to be self administered during aniphylactic shock they are as easy as they can be to use.

I wholly support insurance companies refusal to pay for the Epi Pen and will be asking my doctor for the Adreniclick when I am up for renewal this summer.