Are EpiPens malfunctioning? How can I check if mine is safe to use?

Written by Shivam Patel, PharmD, BSPS, RPh | Posted abril 16, 2020 | Updated mayo 02, 2023

The FDA issued an alert of EpiPen auto-injector errors related to the devices malfunctioning on March 23rd, 2020. Pfizer and Mylan, the drug manufacturer and marketer of EpiPen, announced that patients, caregivers, and providers should be cautious of EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg auto-injectors including the authorized generic versions. In a letter, they outline that these EpiPen devices may not work due to:

  • “Device failure from spontaneous activation caused by using sideways force to remove the blue safety release.
  • Device failure from inadvertent or spontaneous activation due to a raised blue safety release.
  • Difficulty removing the device from the carrier tube.
  • Certain identified use errors.”

Despite these problems, the Epipens have not been recalled (as of April 15th 2020). You can visit the FDA website for the most up-to-date information regarding this EpiPen alert.

Your EpiPen device may very well be fine, but we now know they can malfunction and it could obstruct emergency treatment at the time of need. This is why you must ensure that your EpiPen works correctly ahead of the time of need.

What is Epipen (epinephrine)?

EpiPen (epinephrine) is an expensive medication that is used in the treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, caused by certain foods, latex, insect bites or stings. It’s important to remember that the first line of defense is to always avoid your allergens to protect yourself from allergic reactions. EpiPens work by tightening blood vessels in your body. This, in turn, relaxes airway muscles, allowing you or your child to continue breathing during the reaction. Epipens come as a prefilled automatic injection device that is administered under the skin. EpiPens can save lives, so it's important to routinely check on expiration and any potential issues with your device.

Back to Top

How can I make sure the EpiPen will work correctly?

Having to ensure your EpiPen is working properly may feel extremely stressful. After all, you already have the stress of constantly making sure to have an Epipen on hand! But, due to these product safety problems, you will need to take extra steps to ensure your or your loved ones’ safety. Let's get into the steps you can take to make sure your life-saving medication works before it comes time for you to use it.

  • Firstly, if you have any questions or need guidance regarding your EpiPen, remember you should always speak with your local pharmacist or provider. They are trained to equip you with knowledge to successfully administer your EpiPen.

  • Always use BOTH hands to remove the blue safety release straight up. It is important to NOT flip the blue safety release off with your thumb, or any other sideways twisting of the device. If you need to administer on a child, first restrain the child, then use BOTH hands to remove the blue safety release straight up.

  • Inspect your EpiPen devices to verify the blue safety release is not raised. If the blue safety release is raised, this device should NOT be used. Speak to your provider to contact Mylan Customer Relations at 1-800-796-9526 to get a replacement at no additional cost.

  • Before your devices have been used, flip open the caps of the carrier tubes. Then tip each carrier tube to check that each auto-injector easily slides out of the tube.

Back to Top

What should I do if I notice a problem with my EpiPen?

If you notice a problem with your EpiPen, contact your local pharmacist or healthcare provider immediately. Let them know what you discovered in detail and they will provide you the best options for replacement. Do not rely on your EpiPen if you suspect a problem with it, and act quickly to make sure it will work correctly at the time of need.

Back to Top

Are there any alternatives to EpiPen or its authorized generic?

An authorized generic is made using the same exact formula, process and manufacturing as the brand name but just the labeling does not have the brand name.

One alternative to EpiPen and its authorized generic is Adrenaclick, manufactured by Impax Laboratories. Adrenaclick is also an epinephrine auto injection device similar to EpiPen. With Adrenaclick and its authorized generic, the patient needs to remove both caps on opposite sides of the auto-injector before administering. With EpiPen and its authorized generic, the patient takes the device out of the carrier tube and removes the blue safety release before administering.

Another epinephrine auto-injection device is called Auvi-Q. This device is unique because it provides voice guidance instructing patients on how to administer the device step-by-step. The Auvi-Q device is smaller than EpiPen and has a needle that retracts after it's administered.

Back to Top

How do I use an EpiPen correctly?

If you or a loved one are prescribed EpiPen, don't wait until an emergency to understand how to use your EpiPen. You can watch this video that describes how to correctly use an EpiPen. Here is a pamphlet with images that also describes how to use an EpiPen.

According to Mylan the manufacturer of Epipen, here is how you can use EpiPen correctly:

“1. Prepare

  • Remove the Auto-Injector from the clear carrier tube.
  • Flip open the yellow cap of your EpiPen® or the green cap of your EpiPen Jr® carrier tube.
  • Tip and slide the auto-injector out of the carrier tube.
  • Hold the auto-injector in your fist with the orange tip pointing downward.
  • Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh®.
  • With your other hand, remove the blue safety release by pulling straight up without bending or twisting it.

2. Administer

  • If you are administering to a young child, hold the leg firmly in place while administering an injection.
  • Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh.
  • Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it “clicks.” The click signals that the injection has started.
  • Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3).
  • Remove the auto-injector from the thigh. The orange tip will extend
  • to cover the needle. If the needle is still visible, do not attempt to reuse it. Massage the injection area for 10 seconds.

3. Get Emergency Medical Help Right Away

  • You may need further medical attention.
  • If symptoms continue or recur, you may need to use a second EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector.”

Still need more information on how to use your EpiPen? Call Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 or visit www.epipen.com anytime.

Back to Top

How much does an EpiPen cost?

Consumers can find significant savings for EpiPen and its alternatives at PharmacyChecker-accredited international pharmacies.

Comparing EpiPen and Alternatives Prices

Drug (generic name) Strength Quantity Average U.S. Retail Pharmacy Price Lowest International Online Pharmacy Price Percentage Savings
EpiPen (epinephrine) 0.3mg two-pack $662.59 $281.23 58%
EpiPen Jr. (epinephrine) 0.15mg two-pack $699.11 $253.74 64%
Generic EpiPen (epinephrine) 0.3mg two-pack $399.09 $192.99 52%
Generic EpiPen Jr. (epinephrine) 0.15mg two-pack $385.78 - -
Auvi-Q (epinephrine) 0.3mg two-pack $5,600.90 - 14%
Adrenaclick (epinephrine) 0.3mg two-pack $463.06 - -
Generic Adrenaclick (epinephrine) 0.3mg two-pack $228.06 - -

Sources: Average U.S. Retail Price calculated based on pricing on GoodRx.com. U.S. Prescription Discount Card Price based on pricing near White Plains, New York (Zip:10605). Lowest PharmacyChecker-accredited International Pharmacy Price based on prices listed on PharmacyChecker.com.

Back to Top

Learn more about EpiPens and affording medication

How much does an EpiPen cost? Is there a more affordable option?

I heard there was an EpiPen shortage?

Why are drug prices so different at different pharmacies?

Do you have questions or concerns about EpiPen savings, whether locally or online? We’re here to help.

Comment below or ask a question by logging in to My PharmacyChecker.

Back to Top

Compare drug prices among reputable online pharmacies

Comments
Sign in below and start the conversation!
Login or Register to Comment
Reviews
PharmacyChecker Reviews
×
Click stars to rate
Please select a rating for the review
Please enter title for the review.
Please enter content for the review.
Please enter at least 100 characters.
Please enter a date of experience before submitting.
Please enter your first name and last name.
Only letters allowed for first name and last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Submit your review Processing...
Success! Thank you for submitting your review.
Back to reviews
Sylvia S.on Nov 6, 2022

I apologize to be writing on the review page
I am a pensioner, from South Africa. I'm looking for the best price for Xarelto. The state hospital prescribed Warfarin. I am totally allergic to warfarin

Please can you advise which is affordable to a pensioner.

Regards

Date of experience: November 6, 2022

Gretchen J.on Oct 17, 2021

Simplest and easiest site ever I had so much anxiety first being diagnosed with cancer and then getting on this medication I was not able to afford the real medication I could only get the generic so I came online and I found Canadian pharmacy store. Com, which made that medicine very affordable for me to purchase in a couple of easy steps also The chat with Marilyn S. Answered all my questions from who is the manufacture of my medication's to my prescription size and shipping time just everything thank you so much

Date of experience: October 15, 2021

James H.on Mar 11, 2021

We just ordered for my 90 year-old Mom. In the U.S. generics are not always available. So using PharmacyChecker we felt that its member pharmacy vendors were vetted. This reassurance of reliability took much of the guess work out of our shopping task.

Date of experience: March 10, 2021

Sandra S.on Dec 10, 2020

Always nice every time I have called or placed an order that I needed to check on. Thank you for all you do. Rick you made it so easy In the beginning of the relationship between us for me to stay with you.

Date of experience: December 9, 2020

George C.on Dec 8, 2020

This website provides very helpful information on ordering medications from non-U.S. Sources. We save 50% to 60% on name brand meds that are not available in generic forms in the U.S. We have saved thousands over the years.

Date of experience: December 8, 2020

Rod L.on Dec 7, 2020

I feel safe ordering from a pharmaceutical company outside of the U S because the prescription I am using is exactly the same as those sold in the U S, however, the price is totally different. What I had paid in the U S for 90 pills listed at almost $500. For which I have been paying $72. From a Canadian company for 5 or 6 years now, the price includes shipping and is sometimes negotiable.

Date of experience: December 7, 2020

J M.on Sep 29, 2020

This happens to be a very good pharmacy that delivers name brand meds at a reasonable price. All of the meds that I have purchased through this pharmacy have been the exact product my doctor listed. All of the products were labeled with original manufacturer's identity and location with date of manufacture and expiration. I am certainly glad that I found this pharmacy. Great job.

Date of experience: September 29, 2020

Jerry M.on Sep 29, 2020

I recommend it to many people. It sure saved us a lot and we learned a lot. The discount card saved us, too at Kroger.

Date of experience: September 29, 2020

Michael B.on Sep 2, 2020

I have been able to source several meds, at 10% of the american pharma cost. I have no doubt that I bought them where american pharma buys them, and then rapes the public. Thank you p checker

Date of experience: September 2, 2020

IWANT N.on Aug 20, 2020

I am happy to see the entities that are endorsed by you. But I did have a horrendous experience with Canadian Pharmacy with my latest order. After switching the location from which my order was to be chipped, the order was and still is being held by US Customs. They did give me a replacement order which I finally did receive but that order was submitted MUCH later than it should have been. Bottom line, I waited OVER THREE MONTHS for my med to finally be delivered and that cost me more money to piece meal samples from my doc and out of pocket for short term needs. And, the order I did receive cost me MORE for FEWER tablets. I know Covid-19 played a part in this fiasco but the supplier simply DID NOT PREFORM!

Date of experience: August 19, 2020

Previous