How Much Are EpiPens? Cost-Cutting Tips, Alternatives, and More
Key takeaways:
An EpiPen contains a life-saving medication, epinephrine, that can treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
On average, a package of 2 EpiPen auto-injectors can cost around $714.34 without insurance.
GoodRx coupons, health insurance, and generic EpiPens can help you save money.
Table of contents
A simple bee sting or a peanut can cause a fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Luckily, the symptoms of this reaction can be treated in most cases by a shot to the leg with an epinephrine auto-injector.
However, one of the most popular auto-injectors, EpiPen (epinephrine), can cost upward of $600 for a package of two without insurance. To save money, you can ask your healthcare professional about the generic version of EpiPen, which costs a few hundred dollars less. But you can also save by using a GoodRx coupon, tapping your insurance, or trying an EpiPen alternative.
How much is an EpiPen?
On average, retail prices for EpiPen and EpiPen JR packages range from $650 to $750 without insurance. You could pay around $714.34, depending on the pharmacy you choose. An EpiPen package comes with 2 auto-injectors of 0.3 mg and is approved for adults and children who weigh 66 lbs or more. The EpiPen JR package comes with 2 auto-injectors of 0.15 mg and is approved for children who weigh 33 lbs to 66 lbs.
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It’s a good idea to review your insurance coverage before you get your EpiPen prescription filled. Find out if EpiPen is included in your insurance plan’s formulary and if there are any out-of-pocket costs you should consider. You can check your insurance plan’s website or call the customer service number on your insurance card. You can also review your summary of benefits and coverage.
What factors affect the cost of EpiPens?
For years, the pharmaceutical manufacturer Mylan had the only epinephrine auto-injector on the market. But when Mylan launched a generic version, competitors entered the market with their own auto-injectors.
However, the prices for auto-injectors remain high because the FDA regulates medication-device combinations differently than medications. For an auto-injector to be approved as a fully substitutable generic, the medication and device both have to be proven to be equivalent, which requires complex research and data. In addition, Mylan's EpiPen patent doesn’t expire until 2025. So the generics from Mylan’s competitors have slight variations that make them alternatives to — but not substitutes for — EpiPens.
But in 2016, Mylan launched its own authorized generic versions of EpiPen and EpiPen JR. An authorized generic is made by the same manufacturer as the brand-name medication, but it has a generic label on the package. It’s identical to the brand-name medication and doesn’t require approval the way generic medications made by other manufacturers do.
Overall, several factors may affect the price of EpiPens, including:
Treatment plan
Insurance coverage
Pharmacy chosen
Competition in the market
FDA requirements for approval
Mylan’s patent
How to save on EpiPen auto-injectors
If you’re looking for ways to save on EpiPens, here are seven options to consider.
1. Use insurance if you have it
One of the best ways to save on EpiPens is to use insurance. While some insurance plans may provide coverage for brand-name EpiPen, others may only provide coverage for the authorized generic versions or other brand names of epinephrine auto-injectors. Coverage for EpiPen auto-injectors varies by plan, so it’s important to review your specific insurance policy to get a better idea of your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
If epinephrine auto-injectors aren’t covered by your plan, ask your healthcare professional about an appeal. The Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare) allows everyone the right to appeal when coverage is denied. The exact process for an appeal will depend on your insurance carrier, but it often requires you to work with your healthcare professional to submit an appeal letter. Your appeal may include the following:
Policy number
Date of denial
What was denied
Cited reason for denial
Reason you believe your auto-injector is medically necessary
EpiPen expired? Find out if you can use your EpiPen after the expiration date.
EpiPen vs. Adrenaclick: Make sure you understand the differences, because EpiPen can’t be substituted for Adrenaclick.
Flexible spending account (FSA) benefits: Find out how to use your FSA to pay for EpiPens and other qualified expenses before your money expires.
2. Go for a generic EpiPen
If a brand-name medication is outside of your budget, ask your prescriber about a generic. Generic medications are typically more affordable and have the same level of quality, safety, and standards as brand-name medications. You could save hundreds of dollars per fill if you opt for an authorized generic version of EpiPen instead of the brand-name version.
3. Use a manufacturer savings card
Many manufacturers offer free programs that can save you money on your prescription medication, but there may be rules or limits that you need to follow. For example, Mylan’s EpiPen Savings Card can help you save up to $300 for each EpiPen 2-Pak or EpiPen JR 2-Pak per prescription fill if you qualify. You can reuse the savings card up to six times per calendar year. However, this program is only available for people with commercial insurance.
Mylan also offers the Epinephrine Injection Savings Card to reduce costs for the authorized generic version of EpiPen. You could save up to $25 off a 2-pack of either the 0.3 mg or 0.15 mg dose of the authorized generic version of EpiPen. It is reusable for up to 3 of the 2-packs. This program is also limited to people with commercial insurance. Savings card offers are subject to change, so it’s important to review the manufacturer’s website for the latest savings information.
4. Apply for a patient assistance program
If you are uninsured or don’t have prescription medication coverage, you may be able to get the authorized generic versions of EpiPen for free through the Viatris Patient Assistance Program. Epinephrine is one of many medications listed as a covered product under this program.
Some of the eligibility requirements to qualify for the patient assistance program include:
Being a current U.S. resident
Meeting financial requirements
Receiving a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional for an FDA-approved use
5. Use a GoodRx coupon
You can use GoodRx coupons to save on authorized generic versions of EpiPens, whether you have insurance or not. With a GoodRx coupon, you could pay as low as $171.26 at some pharmacies.
To get started, you can do the following:
Go to goodrx.com and search for “EpiPen (generic)” or “EpiPen JR (generic).”
Click or tap on the name of the pharmacy where you want to fill your prescription.
Text or email yourself the digital coupon to show your pharmacist. Or you can give them a printed copy.
Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your prescription.
If you want additional savings, you can sign up for GoodRx Gold. You may be able to join for free for a limited amount of time and then save up to 90% on some of your medications.
6. Compare prices at different pharmacies
You can visit goodrx.com to compare prices at different pharmacies and get the best deal in your area. Generic EpiPen can cost around $352.76 while Generic EpiPen JR can cost around $336.39 for one package of 2 auto-injectors.
7. Try an EpiPen alternative
If you are seeking an EpiPen alternative to help you save money, you can reach out to your healthcare professional to determine the best options. Some alternative auto-injectors to consider include:
Auvi-Q
Neffy
The manufacturers for generic Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, and neffy also offer savings programs and patient assistance programs for people who meet eligibility requirements. What's more, anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase two neffy nasal sprays (1 carton) at an exclusive cash price of $199. You can also get a box of Auvi-Q at an exclusive cash price of $289.
Your healthcare professional must write a new prescription for any alternative you are considering. And you’ll need to check with your insurance provider about whether the alternative is covered.
The bottom line
Auto-injectors such as EpiPen (epinephrine) can cost hundreds of dollars. To save money, use insurance if you have it or talk to your healthcare professional about generic options and cheaper alternatives. Regardless of whether you have insurance, you can use GoodRx coupons, which may save you a significant amount on generic EpiPens.
Why trust our experts?
References
Dube, N. (2016). EpiPen pricing. Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research.
Mylan. (2016). Mylan launches the first generic for EpiPen (epinephrine injection, USP) auto-injector as an authorized generic.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2018). FDA approves first generic version of EpiPen.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2019). About combination products.
Viatris. (2021). Viatris patient assistance program (PAP) application.
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