It seems that the 4th epinephrine auto-injector is available as a GENERIC of the Adrenaclick that is returning to the marketplace. Here lies the confusion: in some states the generics can be replaced by the pharmacist without asking permission. I’ve copied and pasted information from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology (AAAAI) and ImmunologyAllergy Asthma Network, Mothers of Asthmatics (AAMA) in regards to understanding this confusing state of 4 epinephrine auto-injectors in the marketplace. These two resources are highly respected leaders in the world of anaphylaxis and asthma and when they speak, I listen. AAMA data below provides links to all four brands available. The solution: make sure when you fill your epinephrine prescriptions that you understand which device you are receiving and that you educate and train yourself on your device.
image courtesy of AAAAI.org
From the AAAAI….
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 and www.epipen.com.
Sincerely,
Linda Cox, MD, FAAAAI
AAAAI President
president@aaaai.org
Image courtesy of AAMA
From the AAMA…
It has come to our attention that Lineage Therapeutics, Inc. recently launched a generic version of Adrenaclick® under the name epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector. This product, marketed as a generic epinephrine auto-injector, is an “authorized generic” of the Adrenaclick auto-injector only.
The availability of this product could result in substitution for other epinephrine auto-injectors at the pharmacy, leading to confusion.
Epinephrine auto-injectors look and function differently from one another. Each has different instructions for use and requires different training. You may be trained on one type of auto-injector, and the pharmacy may provide another for which you were not trained to use.
During the stress of an anaphylactic reaction, this could result in a delay or perhaps an error in the administration of the drug. Time is of the essence during an anaphylactic reaction. Make sure you are well prepared with the proper prescribed medication. No surprises!
When having a prescription filled, patients or caregivers should reinforce with the pharmacist the importance of getting the specific epinephrine auto-injector their physician prescribed and that they are trained to use. Be sure to check the bag before leaving the pharmacy drive-through or counter. Accept no substitutes!
View each type of epinephrine auto-injector and the instructions for administration at the respective product web sites:
http://epinephrineautoinject.com/
http://adrenaclick.com/
http://www.auvi-q.com/
http://www.epipen.com/
Visit www.aanma.org for more information on the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, as well as how to ensure you are prepared in the event of an emergency.
Allergy & Asthma Network
Mothers of Asthmatics
8201 Greensboro Dr., Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
Office: 703.641.9595
Fax: 703.288.4003 | www.aanma.org
Image courtesy of digitalart via Freedigitalphotos.net
Hopefully these two pieces of data help clears up the confusion. The bottom line goes directly back to the hard fact that we will always need to train everyone within our world regarding how to respond to an emergency and that we always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
In CA they can give generic unless specified by the doctor that no substitutions are allowed. In some instances the insurance is reluctant to pay for the nongeneric.
Great info, Caroline!
I know that I even went to a pharmacy once with a DAW order and they STILL tried to substitute my perscription without contacting the doctor or telling me they did so. That is a scary thought! It wasn’t for an auto-injector, but I could see this happening to others, and it is a very scary and frustrating ordeal to be a part of.
I know this info will upset a lot of people (no one wants to have to re-learn a whole new method of how to deal with anaphylaxis especially if they are dealing with young children), but at the same time, the links to the websites that tell you about how to use the different auto-injectors is brilliant! They will help so much!
Passing the word along!
There is some vagueness to the generic/brand name Rx laws & rules. The best advice is to contact your insurance provider AND inform your doctor. Generics are not the same med as brand named ones & there may be a difference to the individual patient regarding reactions. If someone has a question about a specific med of any price, ask the pharmacist & alert the physician to any side effects immediately.
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You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!