Study: Non-EpiPen prescriptions quadruple

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Prescriptions for EpiPen alternatives have quadrupled since quadrupled since the beginning of 2017, with non-EpiPen epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions share reaching 28.9% for the period of Feb. 1-Feb. 25, according to athenaResearch.

Researchers analyzed more than 60,000 prescriptions for epinephrine auto-injectors since the beginning of 2016, written for 50,000 patients by more than 1,400 providers nationwide. In January 2016, just 4.8% of epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions were not for Mylan’s EpiPen. And throughout 2016, although non-EpiPen share reached as high as 7.8%, it ended the year at a 5.3% share in December. However, the share rose to 14.8% in January of this year and increased to a 28.9% share last month.

“Why the sudden, significant shift?” asked the report. “Patients and providers might be reaching for the alternatives and generics that have recently hit the shelves, as the industry responds to widespread demand.”

As Drug Store News reported, CVS Health is among those providing an EpiPen alternative, which sells for $109.99 for a two-pack.

The research can be found here.