Generic Epinephrine Autoinjector Authorized (once again!) - What Does It Mean For You?

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The following message is courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. A formerly available epinephrine auto-injector (Adrenaclick) is back on the market, as is an authorized generic for this specific device. It is likely that insurance companies and pharmacies may encourage substitution with this generic product, as a way to decrease expenses for both insurers and patients. Please read the message, and be alert to the possibility of device substitution.
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Be Aware of Authorized Generic Epinephrine Autoinjector


Dear Colleagues:
It has come to our attention that Lineage Therapeutics, Inc. recently launched an authorized generic version of Adrenaclick® under the name epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector. This product being marketed as a generic epinephrine autoinjector is an “authorized generic” of the Adrenaclick autoinjector only.
We want to make you aware because the availability of this product may result in substitution for other epinephrine autoinjectors at the pharmacy, which could lead to patient and caregiver confusion.
Epinephrine autoinjectors look and function differently from one another, and they have different instructions for use and require different training. You may have trained your patient for the administration of one type of injector, and the pharmacy may provide another type on which the patient has not been trained. During the stress of an anaphylactic reaction, this may be confusing to a patient and could result in the delay or perhaps an error in the administration of the drug.
When having a prescription filled, patients or caregivers should reinforce with the pharmacist the importance of getting the specific epinephrine autoinjector their physician prescribed and that they are trained to use.
You can view each type of epinephrine autoinjector and the instructions for administration at the respective product websites: www.epinephrineautoinject.com, www.adrenaclick.com, www.auvi-q.com andwww.epipen.com.
Sincerely,
Linda Cox, MD, FAAAAI
AAAAI President
president@aaaai.org

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Bottom line? 

As proper use of autoinjectable epinephrine is dependent on training and familiarity with the device, generic substitutions for one device should not replace a prescription for a different device. If cost concerns require you to consider a generic, please first visit your doctor's office to be trained on the device you will be receiving. This will allow you to ensure that you and your family are comfortable with the device to be dispensed.

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