What to Do If You Can’t Afford Epinephrine

The manufacturers of most epinephrine options offer U.S. savings programs and patient assistance programs.

Epinephrine is the only treatment for a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis]. It is only available through a prescription by your doctor. Most prescriptions come with 2 doses. Epinephrine is most commonly prescribed in easy-to-use options, such as auto-injectors and nasal spray.

People with food allergies should have epinephrine with them at all times. For children, this might mean that you need extra epinephrine doses. For example, your child may need to keep epinephrine at school, as well as some at after-school care. And you may want epinephrine that stays at home or goes with you when you leave the house.

Here are savings offers for epinephrine options, as well as other ideas that may help you save money on drug costs. Your final copay, if any, may vary depending on your insurance plan and the deductibles for your family. Talk with your doctor about which epinephrine option is right for your family.

Savings Programs for Epinephrine Devices

Other Possible Ways to Save Money

• Change insurance plans – If you are privately insured through work, see if you can shop around during open enrollment. If your family’s income is below a certain level, you might be offered Medicaid and/or your children might qualify under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This depends on your state. Visit HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance site.
• Switch to the “preferred” device for your plan – If you have prescription benefits, you may save on copays by agreeing to use the epinephrine option that is on the insurance “preferred” list.
• Use mail order – If you have prescription benefits, look into your plan’s mail order pharmacy options. This may give you a lower price or provide more two-packs of medicine for the same price. Many mail order prescription plans provide patients with a three month’s supply of medicine for the cost of two month’s copay.
• Talk with your doctor – If you have insurance, talk with your doctor. Sometimes they can write the prescription so you can get more sets of medicine for 1 copay. Typically, a 2-pack of epinephrine auto-injectors is considered a 30-day supply under your prescription plan. A doctor might write the prescription for 6 auto-injectors (3 2-packs) to be filled at once. This could then be filled through the mail order pharmacy, as described above.
• Shop around – Call around to different pharmacies. Prices can vary, especially between large chain pharmacies and smaller independent pharmacies. Be aware that the pharmacies at club stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club are generally available to non-members too.
• Check with your local children’s hospital – This option may work if your child sees doctors at a major children’s hospital. Ask if they have any grants or patient assistance programs that can help pay for your child’s prescription.
• Talk with your employer – If you have medical insurance through an employer, contact their human resources department. Explain that your insurance will not cover a life-saving medicine for you or your child. Sometimes, if you have a generous employer, they will try to help you.

Updated November 2024