Generic epi pens are available

[Voice of Reason 10,298]

Not exactly a headline news story, but I though I would share it because I am sure there are those here who rely on this medication.

Victory is mine!

My quest for an emergency dose of epinephrine to have on hand that does not cost an arm and a leg (or support the ridiculous salary of a pharmaceutical CEO) was a success.

I asked my physician to prescribe a "generic epinephrine auto-injector".

It took CVS two tries to get what I wanted. They first filled the script with an Epi-pen to the tune of $616. We have a high dexuctable plan that does not kick in at that level and we have been healthy and injury free this year. This is full price. Even after the coupon that is now available from the manufacturer, I would be out a minimum of $300 for something that costs less to make than a Big Mac.

I refused the purchase and explained that I specifcally requested the generic. They told me there was no such thing. After a brisk conversation and some time spent hunched over thier computer, the pharmacy staff told me they were sorry and that they had found it in their system but did not have any on hand. They would have it for me in a few days.

Today I picked it up. My new friend behind the counter recognized me and said that they had ordered extras to have on hand for other customers after seeing that there was an option.

My new script fell into the generic price catagory which, with the coverage we have, ran me a whopping $5.

Not bad for a days work.

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.k.hollinger/posts/1285236738177708