Consumer Reports Warns “Don’t Order EpiPens from Canadian Online Pharmacies”

As the price of Mylan EpiPens have skyrocketed, Consumer Reports and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies caution consumers to save money safely by taking advantage of available discounts, and steering clear of fake online pharmacies.

Consumer Reports has reached out to consumers in light of recent cost hikes for life-saving EpiPens. According to Consumer Reports, some of their readers have begun purchasing their EpiPens from Canada to save money, but are doing so without recognizing the dangers.

As Carmen Catizone, the executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy explained to Consumer Reports, “The biggest problems with trying to order EpiPens from Canada or any other country outside the U.S. is that you can’t be sure of what you’re getting. Most internet pharmacies claiming to be Canadian are not. Frequently, they are fake storefronts selling unapproved drugs that are counterfeit or poorly made.”

Carmen Catizone also noted “People rely on [EpiPens] to deliver a precise amount of epinephrine to counteract life-threatening allergic reactions. In an emergency, you can’t risk having a device that contains the wrong drug or dose or that doesn’t work properly.”

Ways to save money safely when buying EpiPens

Consumer Reports then offers several options for savings on EpiPens:

• Using a GoodRx.com coupon at Walmart pharmacy to buy generic Adrenaclick auto-injectors that sell for $140 for a pair of pens
• Use the Mylan $300 coupon to deduct from insurance co-pays for their EpiPen two-pack
• Wait a few weeks until Mylan offers the generic version of the EpiPen at a significant discount

For more ideas for saving money on medication without compromising your safety, download a copy of the PSM Safe Savings Guide.