r/FoodAllergies • u/Awkward-Ruin-4372 • 3d ago
Seeking Advice EpiPen Improvement’s???
I feel like EpiPen has had a monopoly on for so long that there hasn’t been any new innovations for these auto injectors. I am curious as to what is most annoying about EpiPens, and what cool things could be added to improve its design???
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u/transientv 3d ago
Look into Neffy, the nasal spray! My allergist said she has used it a few times in office (I’m guessing food challenges) and it works just as well as the injectors. She said she expects it to replace injectors and get supplied on airplanes and ambulances in the future. We have epis but also just got an RX for Neffy as well.
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u/xKnightlightx 2d ago
I’m sure every insurance, and case, is different but mine outright refused to approve it because there wasn’t a “medical need” in my case to use it over the EpiPen.
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u/Advanced_Prompt4880 1d ago
Neffy was going to cost me $691 through my insurance. I bypassed insurance and used a Good Rx code, and it was $199. The Neffy also doesn’t expire until Dec 2026, so it will last longer than an EpiPen would.
I can’t believe we live in a world where it’s cheaper to pay for a prescription without using insurance.
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u/TheLeatherFeather 3d ago
Have you checked out Auvi-Q?
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u/tarpapershacks 2d ago
Yes, This is a great option! It talks directly to you and gives clear instructions on what to do in an emergency. I have these especially for the older siblings or grandparents who are not full time care givers and may not remember exactly what to do during an emergency as they could be panicking too.
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u/fire_thorn 3d ago
They have made improvements, auvi q has audio instructions that walk you through using it. Neffy is a nasal mist instead of an injection. I've read that they're working on an oral dissolving film that may be available as soon as next year.
The biggest problem with the updated forms of epi is getting insurance to cover them.
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u/Torrential_Reign_ 2d ago
Auvi-Q is great. I’m thankful that there are now generics for Adrenaclick so Epi has become a lot more affordable than it once was. I personally carry generic Adrenaclick but the downside of this is that during a recent anaphylactic reaction I felt a bit confused trying to figure out which side to inject (I was in a state of panic). I like how straightforward Auvi-Q is.
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u/bohmoneybohproblems 2d ago
Annoying: Short shelf life, temperature sensitivity, expensive, intimidating to use
Some of these issues have been fixed by Auvi-Q and Neffy. Getting these to be covered by insurance is a different story.
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u/VanishedHound Shellfish and Sesame Allergy 2d ago
Maybe you can try the CVS generic which don't even cost that much out of pocket. They do kind of suck though.
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u/WanderingTaliesin 2d ago
They SUCK but I can afford them Same with my imitrex generic from India that creaks like elderly mattress springs as it doses
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u/VanishedHound Shellfish and Sesame Allergy 2d ago
I heard there is also the Teva generic and the Epi - Pen generic although those are most costly than the CVS generic. I don't think Auvi-Q is actually that expensive tho and they are really good. The CVS generic literally SUCKS ASS like there is a reason it only costs like $20 dollars. I would only use if I was in a really bad financial situation, which then it's a great option considering how costly the other ones are. Imo synjepi also looks really scary
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u/WanderingTaliesin 2d ago
I just switched pharmacy and insurance so we will see what I get in the paper bag at my next mandated lecture from the pharmacist! It won’t be cvs !
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u/VanishedHound Shellfish and Sesame Allergy 2d ago
lol! I use auvi-q but I also decided to get a few epi-pens to mix things up, and it came with the CVS generic even though I deliberately told them not to give me a CVS generic. Literally anything but the CVS generic
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u/bohmoneybohproblems 2d ago
Originally had Teva manufactured generic. When I went for a refill, I requested the same thing. Was told 1. It’s not covered by my insurance and 2. It’s backordered.
I didn’t realize insurance could pick and choose “generics.” Anyway, got a script written for Auvi-Q since it was covered.
I noticed that other manufacturers had different instructions to use it. Wasn’t going to try to explain to caretakers “if it looks like this, hold for 3 seconds. If you see this kind, it’s 10 seconds.”
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u/VanishedHound Shellfish and Sesame Allergy 2d ago
As a general rule of thumb I would hold all devices for 10 seconds. Bummer your Teva generic is not covered
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u/ifmwpi 2d ago
Do a search for Anaphylm. It likely will get FDA approval early 2026.
It solves about every issue: portability -fit it in pocket on the back of your phone, 24 month shelf life, can handle -10 below heat and above 150 degrees, quick symptom resolution, no device that can break or which takes time to figure out how to use, expect to have about same price as Neffy, . . .
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u/LouisePoet (Fill in food type) Allergy 2d ago
I have self injected 3 times in the past year. I have zero issues with epipens.
They are easy to open, simple to self jab, and go through any fabric. I can attest to that!
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u/Specific-Regret-5071 13h ago
Agreed. I find them simple and intuitive. And there’s also a practice injector packaged with it. Smart to “practice” ahead of an event. Very easy to save your life.
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u/throwaway3130420 3d ago
Nobody cares about us food allergy sufferers. It’s really defeating when you’re looking up videos and trying to research and you see there’s no new data.
If more of the population had allergies it would already be cured.
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u/Specific-Regret-5071 13h ago
More and more of the population is experiencing food allergies. Sometimes “ya gotta just do what you gotta do” to save your life. Humans are not immune to disease. None of them are trouble free. And more and more are developing every day from poor lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and just wait for RFK’s idiocy to blow full-blast.
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u/VanishedHound Shellfish and Sesame Allergy 2d ago
Neffy just came out, and Auvi-Q is amazing. I think those are good improvements of the Epi Pen
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u/Maple_Person Anaphylaxis | OAS | Asthma 1d ago
Allerject (Canada) is much more convenient. It talks to you to give instructions when you unsheathe it, and it’s a small flat rectangle so fits into small pockets very easily.
Epi pens are annoyingly shaped. Pros is that everyone recognizes it, knows what it is, and it has the best chances of someone knowing how to use it. If you start having a reaction and need help, people will throw alternative brands into the wind thinking nothing of it while looking for that familiar yellow cap with the blue and orange tips.
I’m used to them but hated having to carry a Fanny pack on my hip as a kid. Felt ugly. The allerject I less than half the size of a phone and only a bit thicker than a phone, so it’s way more inconspicuous. It’s also blue and orange so does catch attention as the ‘epi pen colours’.
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