Please see the following announcement from Cigna regarding the EpiPen.
This change affects any National Life employee enrolled in our medical plan and who uses or may be prescribed the EpiPen.
EpiPen is a brand name epinephrine auto-injector made by Mylan. Mylan just released the generic version of their EpiPen in December. You may have heard this past year in the news, Mylan has significantly increased the cost of their EpiPen.
The change mentioned in the announcement will help our employees save money and still receive the needed epinephrine.
Please reach out to Cigna at 800.244.6224 if you have any questions.
Epinephrine Auto-Injector Products Available Through Cigna Pharmacy Plans
Update – January 2017
There is positive news for our customers who use a life-saving epinephrine auto- injector syringe, such as EpiPen. Authorized generic versions of EpiPen and Adrenaclick* are now available at a lower cost than the branded versions. Customers now have the opportunity to continue using the same product as the branded EpiPen and Adrenaclick at a lower cost and with a significant cost savings for clients.
| Cigna Preferred Drug List Status of Epinephrine Products | ||
|
Drug Name |
Advantage 3 Tier
Performance 3 Tier Standard 3 Tier Value 3 Tier |
Legacy formularies |
| Epinephrine Auto-Injector, all
strengths (includes authorized generics for EpiPen and Adrenaclick) |
Tier 1 – generic, Quantity Limits apply |
Tier 1 – generic, Quantity Limits apply |
|
EpiPen brand, all strengths |
Not covered† |
Tier 3 – Non-Preferred Brand, Quantity Limits apply |
*Adrenaclick was a brand version of epinephrine auto-injector that was discontinued in 2012. The product was eventually sold
to Impax Pharmaceuticals who began manufacturing an authorized generic version several years ago.
†Not Covered – This drug is not covered by the plan. Customers must contact their physicians for assistance or to review alternatives. Customers’ prescription drug plans require approval by Cigna to have this drug covered.
Details of the medications and devices
Both are auto-injector syringes filled with epinephrine, a medication that’s used to treat a potentially life-threatening, allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can vary, but often include chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Both of the authorized generics have the same drug formulation and auto-injector functionality as the branded drugs and device, but at much lower cost. Since the brand EpiPen has had the majority of market share over the years, it’s important to note that the authorized generic works exactly like the branded EpiPen, as it is also manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. This means that customers and caregivers do not need any training to use it. It is prepared and used exactly the same as what they’ve been familiar with from their EpiPen brand experience. More information on the EpiPen authorized generic is available at
https://www.my-generic-epinephrine-auto- injector.com/
Pharmacy dispensing of these products
We will not notify customers in writing of this change (unless otherwise required by state regulation) because the generic version is therapeutically equivalent to the branded. Pharmacists may switch to the authorized generic at point of service depending on state law. Each authorized generic may only be substituted for its branded version. The table below shows what the customer will experience at the pharmacy unless the prescriber requires the brand on the prescription.
| If a health care professional prescribes: | Pharmacy may substitute: |
| EpiPen | Epinephrine auto-injector (the EpiPen
authorized generic from Mylan) |
| Adrenaclick | Epinephrine auto-injector (the
Adrenaclick authorized generic from Impax) |
| Epinephrine auto-injector | Either one of the authorized generics |
CVS Health offering of authorized generic for Adrenaclick
CVS announced that the authorized generic for Adrenaclick® is available at all CVS Pharmacy locations at a price of $109.99 for a two-pack.
Cigna customers will pay the generic copay at the pharmacy, which may be less than the $109.99 being offered by CVS. Customers can always call the number of the back of their ID cards to have a test claim run.