Need Epinephrine for Severe Allergies? Make Your Insurance Work Harder For You!

Dec 22, 2017 | News

Below are a few tips and suggestions for making the most of your medical insurance. If you have any questions about health issues, you should always consult with your healthcare provider.

The end of the calendar year is upon us. That means many patients have met their annual out-of-pocket medical insurance deductible, activating their full coverage. But medical insurance limits and deductibles will reset in the new year.

If you or your child requires epinephrine for severe allergies, now may be the perfect time to stock up! If you’ve achieved full coverage, the year’s-end is a great time to take advantage of it. Always review your specific insurance plan and contact your insurance provider with any questions. Also, it’s a great time to check your devices’ expiration dates in case they need a refill.

What are Serious Allergies?

Serious food allergies means having severe allergic reactions to certain foods, which may include nuts, milk, eggs, soy, and/or other foods. A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. At the first sign of anaphylaxis epinephrine is the recommended first step at treating it, followed by immediate medical attention. Being prepared for anaphylaxis means having access to an epinephrine auto-injector.

What’s A Deductible?

A “deductible” is the money your insurance plan requires you to pay out-of-pocket before it covers all or part of your healthcare services. Deductibles are becoming more common and more expensive. Consumers often spend $1000 out-of-pocket to meet the deductible. Your insurance plan may (or may not) count both physician costs and prescription costs toward your deductible.

Now may be the time to stock up on the epinephrine auto-injectors you need. Be prepared!

  • Keep your epinephrine auto-injector with you
    No matter how careful you are, allergic emergencies (Type I, including anaphylaxis) can happen. Use your auto-injector at the first sign of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – then call 911.
    .
  • It’s smart to store devices in handy places
    You might want to store epinephrine auto-injectors at your office, school, and friends’ and family’s homes – everywhere you frequently go. Do not store them in the car, though, because heat or cold can damage the medicine.
    .
  • Shelf life and expiration dates
    The epinephrine auto-injector has an expiration date, so it’s a good idea to check your devices’ expiration dates. Now could be a great time to restock!
    .
  • Single-use only
    Most types of epinephrine auto-injectors only dispense one dose of medicine – they’re not reusable. That’s another reason it’s great to have extra supplies on hand. Need instructions on how to use your medicine? Check the medicine’s or manufacturer’s official website for directions.
    .
  • New Year’s Resolution
    The New Year’s season is a built-in reminder for optimizing your health… for example, refill your prescription, talk to your doctor, and revisit your allergy-management routines. Now is the perfect time to take care of you!

The end of the year may be a great time to use the insurance benefits you’ve earned throughout the year to stock up on epinephrine auto-injectors. Remember, your health is always of paramount importance! Be prepared.

Sources:

Epinephrine for First-aid Management of Anaphylaxis,” Sicherer et al, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Food Allergy,” American College of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology (ACAAI)

Latex Allergy,” American College of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology (ACAAI)

PP-PAT-EAI-US-0008  12/2017

Need Epinephrine for Severe Allergies? Make Your Insurance Work Harder For You!

Dec 22, 2017 | News

Below are a few tips and suggestions for making the most of your medical insurance. If you have any questions about health issues, you should always consult with your healthcare provider.

The end of the calendar year is upon us. That means many patients have met their annual out-of-pocket medical insurance deductible, activating their full coverage. But medical insurance limits and deductibles will reset in the new year.

If you or your child requires epinephrine for severe allergies, now may be the perfect time to stock up! If you’ve achieved full coverage, the year’s-end is a great time to take advantage of it. Always review your specific insurance plan and contact your insurance provider with any questions. Also, it’s a great time to check your devices’ expiration dates in case they need a refill.

What are Serious Allergies?

Serious food allergies means having severe allergic reactions to certain foods, which may include nuts, milk, eggs, soy, and/or other foods. A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. At the first sign of anaphylaxis epinephrine is the recommended first step at treating it, followed by immediate medical attention. Being prepared for anaphylaxis means having access to an epinephrine auto-injector.

What’s A Deductible?

A “deductible” is the money your insurance plan requires you to pay out-of-pocket before it covers all or part of your healthcare services. Deductibles are becoming more common and more expensive. Consumers often spend $1000 out-of-pocket to meet the deductible. Your insurance plan may (or may not) count both physician costs and prescription costs toward your deductible.

Now may be the time to stock up on the epinephrine auto-injectors you need. Be prepared!

  • Keep your epinephrine auto-injector with you
    No matter how careful you are, allergic emergencies (Type I, including anaphylaxis) can happen. Use your auto-injector at the first sign of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – then call 911.
    .
  • It’s smart to store devices in handy places
    You might want to store epinephrine auto-injectors at your office, school, and friends’ and family’s homes – everywhere you frequently go. Do not store them in the car, though, because heat or cold can damage the medicine.
    .
  • Shelf life and expiration dates
    The epinephrine auto-injector has an expiration date, so it’s a good idea to check your devices’ expiration dates. Now could be a great time to restock!
    .
  • Single-use only
    Most types of epinephrine auto-injectors only dispense one dose of medicine – they’re not reusable. That’s another reason it’s great to have extra supplies on hand. Need instructions on how to use your medicine? Check the medicine’s or manufacturer’s official website for directions.
    .
  • New Year’s Resolution
    The New Year’s season is a built-in reminder for optimizing your health… for example, refill your prescription, talk to your doctor, and revisit your allergy-management routines. Now is the perfect time to take care of you!

The end of the year may be a great time to use the insurance benefits you’ve earned throughout the year to stock up on epinephrine auto-injectors. Remember, your health is always of paramount importance! Be prepared.

Sources:

Epinephrine for First-aid Management of Anaphylaxis,” Sicherer et al, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Food Allergy,” American College of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology (ACAAI)

Latex Allergy,” American College of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology (ACAAI)

PP-PAT-EAI-US-0008  12/2017

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector?

    1. Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector contains epinephrine, a medicine used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise or other unknown causes. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
      • trouble breathing
      • wheezing
      • hoarseness (changes in the way your voice sounds)
      • hives (raised reddened rash that may itch)
      • severe itching
      • swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue
      • skin rash, redness, or swelling
      • fast heartbeat
      • weak pulse
      • feeling very anxious
      • confusion
      • stomach pain
      • losing control of urine or bowel movements (incontinence)
      • diarrhea or stomach cramps
      • dizziness, fainting, or “passing out” (unconsciousness).
    2. Always carry your epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector with you because you may not know when anaphylaxis may happen. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need additional units to keep at work, school, or other locations. Tell your family members, caregivers, and others where you keep your epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector and how to use it before you need it. You may be unable to speak in an allergic emergency.
    3. When you have an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis)
      • Use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector right away.
      • Get emergency medical help right away. You may need further medical attention. You may need to use a second epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector if symptoms continue or recur. Only a healthcare provider should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than 2 injections for a single anaphylaxis episode.

    What is epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector?

    • Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is a disposable, prefilled automatic injection device (auto-injector) used to treat life-threatening, allergic emergencies including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic emergencies. Each device contains a single dose of epinephrine.
    • Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. You should get emergency medical help right away after using epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector.
    • Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is for people who have been prescribed this medicine by their healthcare provider.

    What should I tell my healthcare provider before using epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector? Before you use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, especially if you:

    • have heart problems or high blood pressure
    • have diabetes
    • have thyroid problems
    • have asthma
    • have a history of depression
    • have Parkinson’s disease
    • have any other medical condition
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
    • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

    Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider of all known allergies. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take certain asthma medicines.

    How should I use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector?

    • Each epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector contains only 1 dose of medicine.
    • Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg). It can be injected through clothing, if needed.
    • Read the Instructions for Use in the Patient Information Leaflet for information about the right way to use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector.
    • Your healthcare provider will show you how to safely use the epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector.
    • Use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

    What are the possible side effects of epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector? Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector may cause serious side effects.

    • Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg). Do not inject epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes hands or feet.

    If you accidently inject epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector into any other part of your body, go to the nearest emergency room right away. Tell the healthcare provider where on your body you received the accidental injection.

    • Rarely patients who use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector may develop infections at the injection site within a few days of an injection. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following at an injection site:
      • redness that does not go away
      • swelling
      • tenderness
      • the area feels warm to the touch
    • If you inject a young child with epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector, hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injuries.
    • If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have more or longer lasting side effects when you use epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector. Talk to your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions.

    Common side effects of epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector include

    • faster, irregular or “pounding” heartbeat
    • sweating
    • headache
    • weakness
    • shakiness
    • paleness
    • feelings of over excitement, nervousness, or anxiety
    • dizziness
    • nausea or vomiting
    • breathing problems

    These side effects may go away with rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Keep epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector and all medicines out of the reach of children.

    What are the ingredients in epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector? Active Ingredient: epinephrine Inactive Ingredients: sodium chloride, chlorobutanol, sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, and water.

    You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 877-835-5472, option 1 or email DrugSafety@amneal.com. Please click here for full Prescribing Information including the Patient Information Leaflet.

    For more information and video instructions on the use of epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector, go to www.epinephrineautoinject.com or call 1-800-934-6729.

    Indication: The epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is a disposable, prefilled automatic injection device (auto-injector) used to treat life-threatening, allergic emergencies including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic emergencies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector?

  1. Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector contains epinephrine, a medicine used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise or other unknown causes. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
    • trouble breathing
    • wheezing
    • hoarseness (changes in the way your voice sounds)
    • hives (raised reddened rash that may itch)
    • severe itching
    • swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue
    • skin rash, redness, or swelling
    • fast heartbeat
    • weak pulse
    • feeling very anxious
    • confusion
    • stomach pain
    • losing control of urine or bowel movements (incontinence)
    • diarrhea or stomach cramps
    • dizziness, fainting, or “passing out” (unconsciousness).
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