Does Australian Health Cover Epi-Pens?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing for adrenaline injectors allows for authority prescriptions of a maximum quantity of two adrenaline injectors (EpiPen ® or Anapen ® ) for children or adults (no repeats).

Does health insurance cover EpiPens?

Which Insurance Carrier Should I Select? Only four insurance carriers in California treat EpiPen as a preferred brand name prescription: Aetna, United Healthcare, Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross . Coverage for the EpiPen under these carriers will be the most favorable, with lower copays and more available coverage.

Can GP prescribe EpiPen Australia?

Q4: How do I get a new PBS prescription for two adrenaline injectors? After your first PBS authority prescription, follow-up prescriptions can be written by any health professional, including a GP, paediatrician, nurse practitioner, or clinical immunology/allergy specialist .

How much does EpiPen cost in Australia?

Private Prescription Price $79.39 Discounted PBS Price $41.50 Concession PBS Price $5.80 Safety Net Price $0.00

Can a doctor prescribe EpiPen?

You can’t just go to a pharmacy and ask for an EpiPen. You need to have a prescription for one , and you should fill that prescription long before you have an allergic reaction serious enough to use the EpiPen. You should have the pen available for when you have an allergic reaction.

Who makes EpiPen Australia?

Process to follow during shortages

There are now two suppliers of adrenaline injectors: Viatris – supplier of EpiPen ® and EpiPen ® Jr in Australia and New Zealand. Allergy Concepts – supplier of Anapen ® 500, Anapen ® 300 and Anapen ® 150 in Australia.

Can you get EpiPens for free?

And, there are some who could get EpiPen for free: Mylan offers free EpiPens through its patient assistance program for uninsured and underinsured patients with a household income of less than $97,400 for a family of four .

Do you have to pay for EpiPens?

Vital life-saving drugs qualify for free prescriptions on the NHS , such as those that treat diabetes. Anaphylaxis sufferers have to carry an epipen throughout their life. This is undoubtedly a life-saving medication and should qualify to be on the exemption certificate for free prescriptions.

Is there a generic EpiPen?

Is There a Generic for EpiPen? Yes, cheaper options are now available after much controversy about the high price of this life-saving drug. In fact, the first generic version of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine) auto-injector, from Teva Pharmaceuticals, was approved in August 2018 .

Who qualifies for an EpiPen?

What allergies require an EpiPen? Any severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis , can be treated with an EpiPen. This can include food allergies like a peanut allergy, allergic reactions to insect stings and bites, and allergies to medications.

Can I order an EpiPen online?

Can I Buy EpiPens Online? An EpiPen is a prescription medication in the US and, as a result, EpiPen OTC (over the counter) is not available. As such, one cannot just buy EpiPen online without first consulting with a medical provider .

Are Anapens still available in Australia?

Anapen ® 150, 300 and 500 adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors are now available in Australia on the PBS as of 1st September 2021 in Australia . Anapen ® is being made available by Allergy Concepts, which has partnered with Arrotex to ensure widespread availability in pharmacies across Australia.

How much is a 2 pack of EpiPens?

Item # Product Name Price 1037094 Mylan Generic EpiPen Sr. .3 MG – 2/Pack $465.09 1037093 Mylan Generic EpiPen Jr., .15 MG – 2/Pack $492.09

Do EpiPens expire?

Extending the “use by” date could potentially save patients hundreds or thousands of dollars. EpiPens carry an expiration date of 18 months after their manufacture , but it may be several months before the devices are actually sold and in the hands of the people who may need them.

How long do EpiPens last?

Typically, the expiration dates for most drugs are set at two or three years from the time of manufacture. EpiPens have an even shorter shelf life— about 18 months . But there’s been very little research done on how quickly—or slowly—drugs break down after they’re past the expiry date.

What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it?

An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death . This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling.

What can I use if I don’t have an EpiPen?

  • AUVI-Q®. Available through a mail-order pharmacy, this brand offers adult, child and infant doses. ...
  • Adrenaclick. This device may cost slightly less than the EpiPen, but you have to order a trainer device separately, she says.

Are there different types of Epipens?

How to use adrenaline auto-injectors like EpiPen®, Jext® or Emerade® There are three main types of adrenaline auto-injector which are prescribed in the UK; EpiPen®, Jext® and Emerade® .

Why is there an EpiPen shortage?

In early May 2018, the FDA first declared a national shortage of Mylan’s EpiPen, EpiPen Jr and the equivalent generic devices, citing “ manufacturing delays ” at the Pfizer Inc. facility in Missouri that produces the epinephrine devices.

Is EpiPen on PBS Australia?

Yes. The adrenaline (epinephrine) 300 microgram autoinjector (Adrenaline Mylan) is now available on the PBS as an ‘a’ flagged brand equivalent to the EpiPen autoinjector.

What is the new EpiPen called?

AUVI-Q ® (epinephrine injection, USP) is a prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions.

Is epinephrine available over the counter?

It is available over-the-counter (OTC) as a metered-dose inhaler that delivers an aerosolized dose of medication to the lungs. Epinephrine works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier.

How often should you get a new EpiPen?

According to Julie Knell, director of specialty communications at Mylan, the EpiPen expires every 12 to 18 months , but that period includes the time it takes to distribute the product and reach the patient’s hands.

How do I purchase an EpiPen?

Ordering information

You can order EpiPen ® Auto-Injector or its authorized generic from your wholesaler . For further information, please call 800-796-9526.

What are the symptoms of anaphylactic shock?
  • Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin.
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing.
  • A weak and rapid pulse.
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Dizziness or fainting.

How many Epipens should you carry?

In summary: People who have been prescribed an Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) because of the risk of anaphylaxis should carry two with them at all times for emergency on the spot use.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.