What’s the Difference Between Adrenaclick and EpiPen?

When you hear the word “allergies,” you might immediately think of seasonal allergies. But allergies can encompass much more, including foods, medications, and insect stings. For some people, exposure to these substances can cause a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. This can lead to symptoms like throat tightness, difficulty breathing, and hives.

When these symptoms start, it’s important to act quickly. This includes administering an epinephrine injection to stop the severe allergic reaction from getting worse. Two options to consider are EpiPen and Adrenaclick, which are both epinephrine auto-injectors. 

Despite their similarities, EpiPen and Adrenaclick have some key differences to consider. 

How do EpiPen and Adrenaclick (epinephrine) work?

Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick are used to treat severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction caused by exposure to things like peanuts or bee stings.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis progress quickly and can include:

• Trouble breathing

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Low blood pressure

• Cardiac arrest

The epinephrine in EpiPen and Adrenaclick works throughout your body to treat anaphylaxis a few different ways. This includes constricting blood vessels and helping your heart beat faster and harder to maintain your blood pressure. It also relaxes muscles in your airways to help you breathe easier.

What forms and dosages do EpiPen and Adrenaclick come in?

Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick are available as auto-injectors, a type of injection device that can deliver a medication dose quickly. Both products also come in boxes with two auto-injectors. That’s because it’s important to always carry two pens in case you need a second dose. 

EpiPen and Adrenaclick come in two different dosages: 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg. Both EpiPen dosages are available as brand-name and generic products. The 0.15 mg dosage is sold under the brand name EpiPen Jr. Adrenaclick is only available as a generic.

How are EpiPen and Adrenaclick dosed and administered?

EpiPen and Adrenaclick are both dosed based on your body weight. And while they both come in auto-injectors, each one is used differently.

Recommended dose

Children weighing 33 lbs to 66 lbs would use the 0.15 mg dose of EpiPen or Adrenaclick. People weighing 66 lbs or more would use the 0.3 mg dose.

If you’re still experiencing a severe allergic reaction 5 to 15 minutes after your first dose, you can administer a second dose with a new pen. Be sure to call for medical help right away after using either EpiPen or Adrenaclick.

Administration

EpiPen and Adrenaclick differ in how they’re administered. You should read your product’s instructions carefully to avoid incorrect administration.

A reusable trainer auto-injector pen is also included in each box. It doesn’t include epinephrine or a needle, and you can use it to practice giving yourself the injection. It’s a good idea that those close to you also know how to use it, in case you need their help in an emergency.

When handling an EpiPen, keep in mind that the orange end of the pen contains the needle. After you remove the blue safety release, push the orange end of the auto-injector firmly into your outer thigh. You should hear a “click,” which means the injection has started. Hold the pen in place for 3 seconds.

In contrast, Adrenaclick has blue safety caps on each end of the pen. Both must be removed before use. You’ll see that one end has a red tip, which contains the needle. Push the red tip of the auto-injector firmly into your outer thigh. Hold the pen in place for 10 seconds. After that, check the red tip to make sure the needle is sticking out — this means you received the dose.

Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick can be injected through clothing, if necessary.

Can Adrenaclick be substituted for EpiPen (and vice versa)?

Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick contain epinephrine. But your pharmacist can’t substitute them without your healthcare provider’s permission.

If your healthcare provider writes a prescription for one and it’s not covered by your insurance or costs too much, you can ask them to write a prescription for the other one. Your pharmacist might also be able to call your healthcare provider’s office for you.

What are common side effects of EpiPen and Adrenaclick?

Epinephrine can have a number of effects in the body. After administering a dose of EpiPen or Adrenaclick, you may experience:

• Anxiety or restlessness

• Tremor

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Palpitations

• Nausea or vomiting

Note: It’s important to handle your auto-injector properly. If you accidentally stick yourself with the needle (e.g., in your hand or fingers), you could lose blood flow to the area. Go to your nearest emergency room if this happens.

What interactions do Adrenaclick and EpiPen have?

Epinephrine, the active ingredient in both Adrenaclick and EpiPen, is safe for most people. If you have food allergies, or other severe allergic reactions, it’s important to carry it with you.

That said, epinephrine may interact with some medications, including linezolid (Zyvox), levothyroxine (Synthroid), and certain antidepressants. And some beta blockers, like propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), can counteract the effects of epinephrine.

Despite these interactions, epinephrine can be life-saving. If you’re in a situation where you have a severe reaction, you should still use it. You should also seek emergency medical attention in case you need additional care.

How to save on Adrenaclick and EpiPen

EpiPen and Adrenaclick are both available as lower-cost authorized generics. GoodRx can help you navigate ways to save on your prescription.

You could pay as little as $171.26 for generic EpiPen at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount. And generic Adrenaclick costs as little as $171.49. 

You can also save up to $25 on your generic EpiPen prescription or up to $10 on your generic Adrenaclick prescription with a manufacturer copay savings card. If you’re eligible, a patient assistance program is also available to get EpiPen at no cost.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA, has been a pharmacist for 12 years. His first job was floating in a community chain pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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