The Cost of EpiPen Without Insurance
By Jennifer Hadley••Updated April 21, 2021
Millions of Americans suffer from allergies, with approximately 1 in 50 experiencing the life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis at some point in their lives.
For men, women, and children who suffer from severe allergies to food, medication, and insect bites or stings, an immediate injection of epinephrine may be necessary to prevent death. Fortunately, using a prescription drug coupon from RxSaver can help bring down the cost of EpiPen without insurance.
How much does an EpiPen cost without insurance?
If you suffer from severe allergies, you’ll be glad to know that a generic version of EpiPen is available. Epinephrine auto-injectors work the same as an EpiPen because they contain the same active ingredients. However, the generic epinephrine auto-injector is typically much more affordable than the brand name drug.
The cost of epinephrine without insurance starts at $139.00* for 0.3mg/0.3 and 1 auto injector using an RxSaver coupon.
What is an EpiPen?
An EpiPen and its generic equivalent are medical devices used to inject a pre-measured dose of epinephrine into the muscles of the outer thigh, at the first signs of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine auto-injectors are designed to penetrate clothing. The EpiPens or generic epinephrine auto-injectors should be carried at all times by individuals with severe allergies to foods, medications, and insects.
What conditions does an EpiPen treat?
An EpiPen is used to stop life-threatening anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis occurs when an allergic individual is exposed to a trigger (allergen). Anaphylaxis can cause amongst other things, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, a potentially fatal narrowing of your airways, an interruption of blood flow to your heart, and leakage of fluid from your blood vessels.
Common Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis comes on suddenly, within seconds to minutes of exposure to the allergen or trigger. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Itchy rash
- Flushed or pale skin
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing/wheezing
- Throat and tongue swelling
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting/dizziness
- Hoarseness
- Impending sense of doom/death
How do EpiPens work?
Epinephrine auto-injectors and EpiPens work by immediately beginning to constrict blood vessels, and increasing your blood pressure and heart rate.
Simultaneously, epinephrine begins to relax the smooth muscles within your lungs, which helps to reduce wheezing and helps to improve breathing. EpiPens and generic epinephrine autoinjectors also reduce swelling and/or hives.
Many individuals will only require one injection of epinephrine. However, you must seek emergency medical treatment after anaphylaxis, as the condition known as rebound or biphasic anaphylaxis may follow the first anaphylactic reaction. This rebound attack typically occurs within the first 72 hours of the initial attack, though most frequently within 8-10 hours after the first allergic reaction.
EpiPens and generic epinephrine auto-injectors are first-line treatment only, and you should seek immediate medical attention following anaphylaxis.
Common Side Effects of EpiPens
EpiPens can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. You should notify your health care provider if you experience any side effects from epinephrine including:
- Nervousness
- Rapid/pounding heartbeat
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Pale Skin
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred/double vision
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Slow speech or difficulty speaking
Can you buy EpiPens over-the-counter?
You cannot buy an EpiPen or a generic epinephrine auto-injector over-the-counter. The medication requires a prescription from a health care provider, and you will need to purchase it from a pharmacist.
Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription
Before filling a prescription for EpiPen or thousands of other medications, be sure to check RxSaver. RxSaver is a free, prescription drug coupon platform that offers savings of up to 80%. RxSaver can be used without insurance, or in place of your insurance if the coupon price is less than your insurance copay.
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/21/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
