HAYWARD, Calif. — Impax Laboratories Inc. is spotlighting its generic epinephrine auto-injector amid a public outcry over the cost of emergency medication for anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
In what Impax called an update, the company said it’s providing additional information to patients, doctors and customers about its epinephrine injection auto-injector in 0.15-mg and 0.3-mg doses, an authorized generic of Amedra Pharmaceuticals’ Adrenaclick.
Impax’s generic auto-injector features numbered and color-coded instructions and is designed for single-dose use by patients and caregivers in an anaphylactic emergency. It is available in a package of two injectors, and the company said trainers are available upon request.
A discount program also is offered for the Impax product. The Epinephrine Auto-Injector Savings Card website said commercially insured patients may receive their epinephrine auto-injector for a $0 co-pay, for a maximum benefit of $100 per pack on up to three auto-injector packs, and that cash-paying patients can get up to $300 off their out-of-pocket cost.
“With all the recent news related to epinephrine auto-injection products, we are increasing our mission to inform patients, caregivers and the professional community regarding the availability of this epinephrine auto-injector product,” stated Fred Wilkinson, president and chief executive officer of Impax. “Our epinephrine auto-injector represents a proven, low-cost treatment for patients in the U.S. who require the use of epinephrine products.”
This month, federal lawmakers voiced concerns about a sharp price rise in recent years for Mylan Inc.’s EpiPen, an epinephrine auto-injector for anaphylaxis. That led Mylan earlier this week to announce plans for an authorized generic of EpiPen. The company said its generic product will carry a list price of $300 for a two-pack carton, a discount of more than 50% to its list price for the branded medicine.
