Epipen Cost Without Insurance

If you or a loved one suffers from severe allergies, then you’re probably familiar with the Epipen. This life-saving medication is essential for those who experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Unfortunately, the costs of an Epipen can be quite high, especially if you don’t have insurance. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of an Epipen without insurance and provide some advice on how to save money on this crucial medication.

Why Is the Epipen So Expensive?

Before discussing the cost of an Epipen without insurance, it’s important to understand why the price tag is so high in the first place. The Epipen is a device that contains the drug epinephrine, which is used to treat severe allergic reactions. While epinephrine itself is relatively inexpensive, the Epipen device is what drives up the cost.

The Epipen is a patented device made by pharmaceutical company Mylan. This means that there are no generic versions available, which keeps the price artificially high. Additionally, Mylan has been criticized for regularly raising the price of the Epipen, with some reports indicating that the cost has increased by over 500% since 2007.

Another reason for the high cost of the Epipen is the way it is sold. Unlike most medications, which can be purchased directly from a pharmacy, the Epipen is sold in packs of two and must be prescribed by a doctor. This means that patients are effectively forced to buy two Epipens at a time, even if they only need one. And since the medication expires after a year, patients must replace both Epipens annually.

How Much Does an Epipen Cost Without Insurance?

The cost of an Epipen without insurance can vary depending on where you live and where you purchase the medication. However, in general, you should expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $700 for a pack of two Epipens.

This price tag can be shocking for many patients, especially if they have never had to purchase an Epipen before. However, it’s important to remember that the Epipen is a lifesaving medication, and it’s worth the cost if it means preventing a severe allergic reaction.

How Can You Save Money on an Epipen?

While the cost of an Epipen without insurance can be high, there are ways to save money on this medication:

Check for Discounts and Coupons

Pharmaceutical companies often offer discounts or coupons for their medications, including the Epipen. Visit the Mylan website to see if any discounts or coupons are currently available.

Ask Your Doctor for a Prescription for a Generic Epinephrine Auto-Injector

While there are no generic versions of the Epipen available, there are other epinephrine auto-injectors on the market that are much cheaper. By asking your doctor to prescribe a generic version, you can save hundreds of dollars.

Consider Buying from a Canadian Pharmacy

Many people turn to Canadian pharmacies to purchase medications at a lower cost. While it’s important to be careful when ordering from an international pharmacy, purchasing from a reputable Canadian pharmacy can save you a significant amount of money on an Epipen.

Buy from a Discount Prescription Service

There are a variety of discount prescription services available that can help you save money on your medication. These services negotiate directly with pharmacies to get you the lowest possible price on your medication. Check out services like GoodRx or Blink Health to see if they can help you save on an Epipen.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What is an Epipen?
An Epipen is a device that contains the drug epinephrine and is used to treat severe allergic reactions.
Why is the Epipen so expensive?
The Epipen is a patented device made by Mylan, which keeps the price artificially high. Additionally, the cost of the device has increased dramatically in recent years.
How much does an Epipen cost without insurance?
Patients can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $700 for a pack of two Epipens.
How can I save money on an Epipen?
You can check for discounts and coupons, ask your doctor for a prescription for a generic epinephrine auto-injector, consider buying from a Canadian pharmacy, or use a discount prescription service.