New "authorized generics" for epinephrine auto-injectors are now available to your patients. The average costs of the new medications are $110 to $375 for two auto-injectors, compared with $600 for EpiPen®. Members' out-of-pocket costs will depend on their plan benefits.
The authorized generics for epinephrine auto-injectors that have been recently released are:
- An epinephrine auto-injector from Mylan Pharmaceuticals (which also manufactures EpiPen) is in the preferred brand tier. This is the same tier placement as the brand EpiPen.
- Adrenaclick® (made by Amedra Pharmaceuticals/Impax Laboratories) is in the non-preferred brand tier. Adrenaclick is currently only available at CVS stores, and it is not certain if supply can meet the anticipated demand.
Though the drugs are classified as authorized generics, they are still only available from the same manufacturers as the brand-name medications.
Doctors need to specify an authorized generic medication and strength when prescribing. Here’s a chart summarizing the tier placement for all epinephrine auto-injectors.
What this means for your patients
Patients filling prescriptions for epinephrine auto-injectors are responsible for the co-payments/co-insurance and deductibles defined by their plans. Members with pharmacy deductibles will benefit from using the new authorized generics due to their lower costs.
Auto-injector from Auvi-Q is re-released
Auvi-Q® is an auto-injector that is smaller than the EpiPen — about the size of a credit card and as thick as a smartphone — and has audio instructions for injection. It was pulled from the market in 2015 over concerns that it wasn't delivering a reliable dose. It has now been reintroduced.
Due to the high price — about $4,500 for two injectors — Auvi-Q is in the non-preferred brand tier in ConnectiCare formularies. When doctors prescribe Auvi-Q, we will require preauthorization and step therapy.
