Epipen ??

[dscubame]

With the cost of EpiPens through the roof is there a reasonable alternative? 

If they did not expire and start to lose the effectiveness I could see paying the one time price however with the expiration this is a annual cost. 

[Special T]

Is this just in case or are you trying to protect against something specific?

[whacker1]

I have wondered the same thing.  I always wanted to have one in the boat or hunting camp, just in case you run into someone that needs help.  Guest or random person that an EpiPen would be a possible solution in the middle of no where....

Interested to hear the feedback.

[Bronson]

Unless something has changed, I dont believe you can get one for "just in case" purposes.  I carry one for bee stings and have always needed a prescription.

As to the OPs question, I am not immediately aware of one but havent really looked much either.

[whacker1]

I was under the impression that the prescription requirement ended at the end of 2015.  I saw a news piece on it in January or February.

[follow maggie]

It's still prescription only. Giving it to people with certain conditions or taking certain medications can be pretty bad.

[Forks]

Does Epinepherin truly have a shelf life?

[follow maggie]

It's sensitive to light. If it's kept dark, I think it lasts a long time, but not sure how long.

[whacker1]

re-reading it again, it is also sensitive to temperature for storage, which wouldn't work for the boat.  too hot during the day.

[Special T]

Epinephrine is synthetic speed. It is used to fight the constricting effects of some allergies and asthma. I have had the misfortune of administration at a hospital. I am told it is much like shooting heroin. It burns in your vein as it travels to you heart. When it hits the heart it accelerates and feels like a V8 at redline. I have no idea why one would do it "for fun". It does increase blood flow and oxygen which is pretty important for some one having a hard time breathing.

My Mother has an Eppi pin for a shellfish allergy and it gets put it the meat of you leg. They are expensive but im certain your life is worth it.

[jmscon]

They are expensive but im certain your life is worth it.

Had a friend get stung by a bee back in '99 and didn't want to use his epipen because it cost him $35! 

If you wanted to put a price on your life, would this be it?

[dscubame]

Is this just in case or are you trying to protect against something specific?

Just in case situation SpecialT.  Also spend alot of time on beaches of Roosevelt with kids and adults alike during the summer many of which don't get out much.

[dscubame]

I can get a prescription no problem there.  Then maybe just my meds deductible from the health insurance plan?  Will have to look into that.

[High Climber]

Benadryl and Pepcid ac together will help with anaphylaxis for OTC just in case options

[GHETTO GUIDE]

Late post coming in.

See if your doc will Rx you a vial of Epi.  The increase in cost and the shelf life has others seeking options as well.  Having a vial of epi and a tb syringe will allow you space and weight.  The down fall is you will have to be knowledgeable enough to draw it up in the syringe before use, or train others you might be with to do this for ya.  If you can get it from your doc, get some spare syringes and practice before the big need.  Doc might not go for it though.??

[fernsjd41]

We have epi at the fire department I work at and we went away from the pen cause it was so expensive and expired before it ever got used. We can't even as EMTs give it to patients with out calling the hospital, with weight to get approval to use it. Only medics can give it. So I doubt you will be able to get it with out a  prescription.

[quadrafire]

Are they refillable?
Epi in a 50ml bottle is less than $0.25/ml

[fernsjd41]

No the pens are sealed and once the needle gets popped out you can't reset it.

[medic6]

important side note.  Each auto ejector epi pen has four doses in it.  Something you should know how to access, if you in fact are way out and need to re-dose or you screw up the first one.

[pianoman9701]

I've thought about getting one, as well. I stepped in a yellow jacket nest during an elk pack out and got stuck about 25 times. Since then, one sting really swells up. I would get the pen instead of the vial. Unless you're practiced in giving shots and where and how to inject it, the pen is much simpler.

[BNAElkhntr]

easy to get   I simply mentioned to my DR I was in the back country a lot  and I swelled up slightly last time I was stung The Dr gave me a script
I Then went here  https://www.epipen.com/ and got a coupon then combined with my insurance was then free.  I carry one injector in backpack other in Jeep

[Booner]

I  realize this is an old thread.

There are generic auto injectors available. I usually get the "Epipen" but may switch to the generic auto injectors when my current pens expire.

Ask your pharmacy if they carry them (Rite Aid does) then request the generic from your Doctor.

Not sure on the price but it's gotta be at least 50% less since you don't pay for the esthetically pleasing yellow ergo case with the "Epi" brand.


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