Free EpiPen and Auvi-Q

[fetch, BSN, RN]

As we're going back and getting all the new little anaphylactic kiddos without their emergency meds, I wanted to make sure everyone knew about these two sites!

Free EpiPen: https://activatemysavings.com/epipen/

I actually went ahead and answered all the questions for each student last year and sent home the final print-out (it has an individualized ID# so you can't just do one and photocopy, unfortunately). Had a much better response than if I'd just sent all the parents a link.

Free Auvi-Q: https://www.auvi-q.com/sign-up

Haven't tried this one yet, but they sent me 3 savings cards in the mail at the end of last year, so I know you can get it!

Restrictions:

The student has to be covered with private insurance or be totally without insurance. Anyone with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE is ineligible. They can still try to print off the coupon, but the pharmacy will catch it and they won't be able to get the discount (as I learned the hard way in my time as a pharmacy tech!).

[Finally2008]

I have tried this for my students with allergies, but it says "the maximum benefit is $100" A 2-pack costs $350 at the pharmacy. :(So, does anyone have ideas of why it says there is a $0 co-pay? And, does anyone have any other ideas for resources for families with children with severe allergies?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

I have tried this for my students with allergies, but it says "the maximum benefit is $100" A 2-pack costs $350 at the pharmacy. :(So, does anyone have ideas of why it says there is a $0 co-pay? And, does anyone have any other ideas for resources for families with children with severe allergies?

The zero copay is if you have commercial insurance. It's actually a little more than $100 off with cash pay. I personally needed an epipen and had no Rx coverage. The cost was $130 with the coupon at walmart pharmacy. I rationalized it was cheaper than my $200 copay plus coinsurance at the ER. I carry Benadryl, Zantac, & albuterol with my epipen kit at my treating physician's suggestion and a specific allergy plan. The pharmacy reduces the cost as part of the conditions of accepting the coupon (cash price without coupon was $395 so a $265 savings was huge in my opinion).

Call around. Costco may have the lowest cash price. In my state it's require that all children have medical insurance even the subsidized premium for the state CHiP is reasonable affordable and is mandated to cover emergency medications. You can check with your local chapter of the food allergy network, the child's allergist, or the local health department (my county has a children's health resource unit/special children's health unit that has some awesome resources and has helped some of my complex kiddos families in tight times)

If parents register at the epipen website they will be sent a little neoprene like carrying case that holds a 2-pack plus other supplies and has a little clip to attach to whatever. I had mine clipped to my backpack while accompanying my child to scout camp this summer

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Here are some resources:

http://www.needymeds.org/drug_list.taf?_function=name&name=EpiPen%202-Pak

And also free epipens for schools (as permitted by state law (often physician signed protocol) and private schools may qualify).

http://epipen4schools.com

[coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN]

Call around. Costco may have the lowest cash price.

If you don't have a Costco Membership you can still use their pharmacy! Same thing to make an appointment with their optometrist. And uh...buy alcohol....

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks for letting me hang out + educating re epipen high cost and discounts available.

Had 1st allergic reaction to hubby's ice cream birthday cake red icing: red blotches hands+ face. throat tightening that benadryl resolved.

Went for my weekly allergy shot for environmental trigors, given RX for pen. Pharmacy called that copay $80.00 despite Blue Cross drug plan!!

With husband disabled + not working his med copay was ~$3,000 in 2015. So jumped on computer, typed in "epipen disccout", came up with manufacturer $0 Co-pay Offer‎ available to those not on Medicare/Medicaid/ government programs.

Thanks for the heads up on this issue.

[Kittery]

I think Auvi-Q is doing a voluntary recall, heard about last fall but I don't have any kids on it so don't know all the details: Auvi-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP) | Recall FAQs

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

auvi q did do a full recall. i don't believe it's back yet.