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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a competitor for the EpiPen, a new epinephrine autoinjector called Symjepi. Adamis Pharmaceuticals created Symjepi as a “low-cost alternative” to EpiPen and similar products. Symjepi is a syringe prefilled with the hormone epinephrine, which can help stop life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect stings, foods, or certain medications. Adamis says its syringe is easier to use than Mylan’s EpiPen, a spring-loaded syringe that comes with a training device. A study showed that 84% of people used the EpiPen incorrectly; errors included not holding the pen long enough, holding it in the wrong place on the body, and not pressing it forcefully enough.
The history of EpiPen pricing
Mylan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of EpiPen, provoked widespread controversy when they increased the price of a life-saving medication (epinephrine) by more than 400%. The price for a pair of EpiPens in 2007 was $94 when Mylan Pharmaceuticals purchased EpiPen. In 2016, the cost for a pair of EpiPens grew to $608. This led to widespread outrage from the general public and those who need to carry EpiPens alike, especially because it was estimated to cost only $20 to manufacture a two-pen pack of this critical medication.
At one point, Mylan controlled 95% of the epinephrine auto-injector market. Europe has multiple competitors to EpiPen, but up until now, in the United States, the FDA has not approved any competitor products. Because of the skyrocketing prices of EpiPens, many consumers put off getting new EpiPens or use expired ones (even though an EpiPen should be replaced yearly), putting their lives at risk. A severe reaction can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis, a condition where blood pressure plummets and airways close off.
RELATED: Is expired medicine safe to take?
EpiPen alternatives
Adrenaclick, another competitor of EpiPen, recently partnered with CVS pharmacies around the U.S. to offer a two-pack of generic Adrenaclick for as little as $10 (after using a $100 coupon). It contains the same drug and dose as EpiPen, but uses a slightly different type of auto-injector.
Another brand called Auvi-Q was on the market for some time but was recalled in October of 2015 due to concerns with delivering accurate doses of epinephrine. As of Feb. 14, 2017, Auvi-Q is back on the market for a $360 cash price—but the brand has a program that ensures people with insurance will have no out-pocket-costs, and neither will be without insurance who make less than $100,000 annually. Adding Symjepi into the market will bring a new level of competition to both EpiPen and Adrenaclick.
How much does Symjepi cost?
Currently, a two-pack of EpiPens costs about $630 without insurance. A new generic version has been developed (by Mylan), retailing for between $225 and $425. The average price of Symjepi is about $300 to $500. Sandoz, the manufacturer of Symjepi, who has partnered with Adamis on the product, offers a savings program that can reduce the cost for eligible users. Adamis Pharmaceuticals also received FDA approval for a junior, pediatric dose of Symjepi that will compete directly against Mylan’s EpiPen Jr.
How customers can save on the EpiPen and Epipen alternatives
Mylan recently offered rebates to at least six state Medicaid programs if the states would make it harder for Medicaid patients to obtain EpiPen competitors. This would make the EpiPen easily available while competitive products would require special requests by clinicians. The states offered were Nebraska, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, but it’s unclear how many states accepted Mylan’s offer.
However, consumers will undoubtedly benefit from market competition. With Auvi-Q back on the market since February and Symjepi coming soon, prices will be driven down for consumers. Consumers can educate themselves on the different auto-injectors available and work with both insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies to get affordable prices for such a necessary medication.
As always, you can check prices for autoinjectors and all your medications at singlecare.com. Here are a few free coupons for EpiPen and its alternatives: