How Much Does an EpiPen Cost in 2023?

The average price of brand-name EpiPens is $690 at pharmacies. Still, the generic versions (commonly called epinephrine auto-injectors) cost about half. Epinephrine is an expensive drug used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. It would be best if you kept your EpiPen with you.

If you have severe allergic reactions, you should have insurance that provides complete coverage of EpiPens. If you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover the cost, sign up for Mira for up to 80% off.

The Cost of EpiPens in 2023

You can purchase EpiPens and generic versions at your pharmacy, but you need a prescription from your doctor. They are not usually available over the counter, especially if you buy the brand name EpiPen.

Epinephrine auto-injectors usually come in a pack of 2, containing 0.3 mg of epinephrine. This dose is for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more (30 kilograms or more).

Cost of Epinephrine auto-injectors by Pharmacy

Epipen Jr

The EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector (0.15 mg) is for patients who weigh about 33 to 66 pounds (15 to 30 kilograms).

Cost of Brand Name EpiPen Jr by Pharmacy

While 98% of Medicare prescription drug plans cover the cost of epinephrine auto-injectors, most Medicare prescription drug plans have quantity limits to restrict the amount of this drug you can fill at one time. Even if you have already met your deductible, it can cost up to $164 for a single epinephrine auto-injector.

Cost of Different EpiPens and Ways to Save

Source: Drugs.com

Types of EpiPens (Epinephrine Auto-injectors)

As shown in the tables above, EpiPen, EpiPen Jr, and generic versions by Viatris are auto-injectors that come in 0.30mg and 0.15mg doses. Other manufacturers also make EpiPens that vary by dose and administration method.

The type of EpiPen you buy should depend on:

• The dose you need (determined by your weight)
• Cost, including any discount programs you are eligible for
• If you mind the sight of needles/the length of administration
• And most importantly, on the recommendation of your healthcare provider

Other options available in the U.S. are listed below.

Auvi-Q by Kaléo

The generic version of EpiPen manufactured by Kaléo are also auto-injectors but are available in three dosages: 0.1mg, 0.15mg, and 0.3mg. When activated, a voice prompt guides you through the administration process.

Auvi-Q is the first and only FDA-approved injection device for babies. It is about the size of a credit card with the thickness of a cell phone. It also has a retractable needle for people who do not want to see it. The administration of epinephrine only takes 2 seconds.

Adrenaclick

Adrenaclick is also an auto-injector available in 0.15mg and 0.3mg doses. On their website, they have an instructional video on properly administering the medication. The Adrenaclick is administered in the upper thigh for 10 seconds.

Authorized Generic Auto-Injector Amneal Laboratories (formerly Impax)

The Impax auto-injector is an authorized generic version of Adrenaclick, but it does not work the same way as EpiPen and cannot generally be dispensed in place of EpiPen or Viatris' Authorized Generic. You need a separate prescription to obtain the Amneal Adrenaclick generic. You must hold this injector in place for 10 seconds.

S.Y.M.J.E.P.I.

The S.Y.M.J.E.P.I. Injection device is smaller than most others and has a thinner needle. It is available in 0.15mg and 0.3mg doses and comes in a carrying case that can also be separated to keep one with you. The S.Y.M.J.E.P.I. only takes 2 seconds to administer.

Generics of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr by Teva Pharmaceuticals

Teva's epinephrine auto-Injector is FDA-approved in 2 strengths. The 0.3 mg strength is equivalent to EpiPen for patients who weigh over 66 lbs (yellow label). The 0.15 mg strength is comparable to EpiPen Jr for patients who weigh 33-66 lbs (green label). The Teva generic version of EpiPen takes 3 seconds to administer.

How To Save on your EpiPen Prescription

Many EpiPen manufacturers offer coupon programs to help reduce the cost of epinephrine prescriptions. When you need more doses, you present the coupon to the pharmacist with a valid prescription to save. These programs have rules and restrictions, so be sure to review carefully.

EpiPen Savings Card

With an EpiPen savings card, you can save up to $300 on each EpiPen 2-Pak carton per prescription refill. You can use the card for six cartons per year. To participate in the program, you must meet the eligibility criteria:

• Be a U.S.U.S. citizen or a legal resident living in the United States
• Have a yearly household income below 400% of the current federal poverty guidelines

And meet one of the following:

• Not have prescription insurance coverage through Medicaid, Medicare Part D, TriCare, a qualified health plan purchased on a state-based, partnership, or federally facilitated exchange, or any other public or private program or insurer
• Have commercial prescription drug coverage only for generic products and must not have prescription insurance coverage through any state or federally-funded program, including, without limitation, Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, or Medicare Part D. Verification documents will be required

Coupons and Rebates

Before purchasing epinephrine auto-injectors, it is worth looking around for valid coupons or rebate programs to help lower the cost. Some offers may be printed right from a website; others require registration or completing a questionnaire.

EpiPen Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

If you have a prescription for an EpiPen, you should fill it as soon as possible in case of an emergency. Check the prices for brand names and generic alternatives to find the best place to purchase them. Below we answer some additional questions about the cost of epinephrine.

Why are EpiPens so expensive?

Epinephrine prescriptions are for people who have potentially life-threatening allergies, so it seems unfair they are so expensive. Over the last decade, the cost of two EpiPens has soared from roughly $100 to over $600. Before the availability of cheaper generics for EpiPen, Mylan (now Viatris) controlled the entire market and took advantage of consumers.

Since launching an authorized generic in 2016, other manufacturers have started making generic versions of EpiPens at about half of the price.

What is the EpiPen class action?

As the price of EpiPens rose from $100 to $600 in under ten years, consumers began to claim Pfizer and Mylan plotted to maintain EpiPen's monopoly, so they filed a class-action lawsuit. "The Class includes any person or entity in the United States who paid or provided reimbursement for some or all of the purchase price of branded or authorized generic EpiPens." On November 17, 2021, the court granted final approval to a $345 million class-action settlement. 

Are EpiPens available without a prescription?

No, you need a prescription from your doctor to buy an EpiPen, with the exception of schools stocked with the product for emergency use. Some telehealth providers can help you access a prescription if you do not have a primary care provider. 

How long do EpiPens last?

Expiration dates for the auto-injectors are usually within one year of purchase. This makes EpiPens extraordinarily unaffordable since you should always be stocked at home, work, and school in case of an emergency. Buying 2 or 3 packs of EpiPens every year without an allergic reaction can cost $2,199 per year.

Bottom Line

The high cost of this life-saving medication can be unaffordable for people who have severe allergic reactions to many allergens. Brand name EpiPens can cost up to $733, and the generic equivalent can cost up to $658.