EpiPens typically come in a pack of two and cost roughly between $650-$700. An approved generic version of the EpiPen is available in a two-pack and costs between $150-$400 if you pay in cash.
Check with your insurance company about the type of EpiPen (branded or generic) covered.
What is an EpiPen used for?
Epinephrine is the synthetic version of adrenaline, a natural hormone substance the body releases in response to stress. Epinephrine is available under various brand names, including:
- EpiPen
- EpiPen Jr
- Adrenaclick
- Auvi-Q
- Symjepi
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, poisonous plants, foods, or medications. Without the use of an epinephrine auto-injector, a severe allergic reaction can progress to anaphylaxis, which is characterized by signs and symptoms that include:
- Hives
- Flushed skin
- Swelling of face, tongue, or lips
- Skin pallor
- Choking sensation in the throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Runny nose and sneezing
How do you use an EpiPen?
If you suffer from any kind of allergy, you should always keep an EpiPen auto-injector at hand.
Read the instructions on the EpiPen information booklet, as different brands have different methods of use. Learn how to use the EpiPen in advance so that you are ready when a severe allergic reaction occurs. You should inject it only on your thigh and nowhere else on the body.
The EpiPen solution should be clear. If you find it discolored or filled with particles, discard it.
EpiPen auto-injectors start working immediately, but its effect doesn’t last long. Therefore, medical help should be sought right after use.
Make sure you have enough supply of EpiPen in your home before it expires and fill the prescription in advance.
What precautions to take when using EpiPen
When you purchase this medication, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease, blood pressure, or diabetes. Inform your pharmacist if you are allergic to any medication ingredients such as sulfites. However, if you are allergic to sulfites, you should not avoid using epinephrine since epinephrine is a life-saving drug with benefits that far outweigh the risks associated with sulfite allergy.
After using EpiPen, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires you to be extremely alert. One side effect of the drug is dizziness, so avoid taking alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) with the drug as doing so can make you even more dizzy. Let your doctor know if you regularly use marijuana.
Older adults may develop a temporary but rapid rise in blood pressure when injected with EpiPen.
SLIDESHOW
Common Allergies: Symptoms and Signs See SlideshowViatris Inc. EpiPen. https://www.epipen.com/en
WebMD. Epipen Auto-Injector - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20017/epipen-injection/details
Top How Much Does an EpiPen Cost Related Articles
Adrenaclick (epinephrine)
Adrenaclick is a disposable, prefilled automatic injection device (auto-injector) used to treat life-threatening, allergic emergencies including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic emergencies. Serious side effects of Adrenaclick include allergic reaction and (rarely) injection site infection. Adrenaclick should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg). Do not inject Adrenaclick into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet.
Preparing for Severe Allergies at School
Help your child manage and prepare for severe allergies at school. Protect your child from food allergies, insect stings, and more. Learn how to set up an action plan for allergies at school.
Allergies Quiz
What are the causes of allergies? This online quiz challenges your knowledge of common food and household allergens, environmental triggers, allergic diseases and conditions, and allergy symptoms and treatments.
Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are given to increase your tolerance to allergens that cause allergy symptoms. At the beginning, allergy shots will be administered once or twice a week for several months. The dose is increased each time until a maintenance dose is reached. Side effects of allergy shots include itchy eyes, shortness of breath, runny nose, tight throat, redness, swelling, and irritation.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time and can be fatal. Causes of anaphylaxis can be a food allergy, latex allergy, allergy to insect stings/bites, asthma, or other materials or conditions. Symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, and rapid or irregular pulse. Severe symptoms may be throat and tongue swelling, swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Some disorders appear similar to anaphylaxis such as fainting, panic attacks, blood clots in the lungs, heart attacks, and septic shock. If you think that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency care or call 911 immediately.
Food Allergies Slides
What common food allergens cause the most problems for adults and children? See this list of common food allergies and learn to avoid allergens with these tips.EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector)
EpiPen and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine injection, autoinjector) is a prescription drug used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions. Side effects of EpiPen include pale skin, sweating, headache, dizziness, anxiety, nausea. Drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to using this drug.epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q)
A self-administered epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q) is a prescription medication used in emergencies by people with severe allergies to halt anaphylaxis. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
How Do You Get Tested for Allergies?
An allergy test is most often performed by an allergist that involves one of three methods, blood test, skin prick test or patch test.
Life-Threatening Allergies
Common allergy triggers may provoke anaphylaxis. Hives, tongue swelling, face swelling, rashes, low blood pressure, rapid and weak pulse and difficulty breathing are just a few symptoms that occur with anaphylaxis.
10 Signs Your Allergies Are Out of Control
Learn 10 signs your allergies are out of control. See these surprising allergy symptoms and find out how to get relief for sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and more.
How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.Symjepi (epinephrine)
Symjepi (epinephrine) is a disposable, prefilled syringe used to treat life-threatening, allergic emergencies including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic emergencies. Common side effects of Symjepi include fast, irregular or “pounding” heartbeat; sweating, headache, weakness, shakiness, paleness, feelings of over excitement, nervousness or anxiety, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and breathing problems.
What Are the 4 Types of Allergic Reactions?
Allergists recognize four types of allergic reactions: Type I or anaphylactic reactions, type II or cytotoxic reactions, type III or immunocomplex reactions and type IV or cell-mediated reactions.
What Are the Two Crucial Signs of Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is defined as a group of symptoms exhibited by the body in reaction to a particular substance. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction and therefore must be promptly spotted and treated.