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Title: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Puddles on October 26, 2016, 08:07:13 AM
http://allergicliving.com/2016/10/26/auvi-q-makers-announce-relaunch-of-talking-auto-injector/

Quote
The Auvi-Q “talking” epinephrine auto-injector will relaunch across the United States in the first half of 2017, senior executives of the pharmaceutical company Kaléo announced today. “We are very excited about bringing it back, and can’t wait to ge
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: TwoDDs on October 26, 2016, 08:12:58 AM
Yea!  I also, am super excited.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: GoingNuts on October 26, 2016, 09:23:12 AM
Just came in to post the same. Oh, happy day!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: my3guys on October 26, 2016, 09:25:16 AM
Me too! This absolutely has made my day!!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: MaryM on October 26, 2016, 09:29:48 AM
Yay!  DS will be thrilled. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on October 26, 2016, 10:43:28 AM
Just did my happy dance. Fingers crossed that Allerject will return to Canada too.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on October 26, 2016, 11:50:58 AM
I saw the news of this and would be more than happy to dump Epipens, giving a big middle finger to Mylan. 

I do wonder if Auvi-Q's earlier launch had anything to do with pricing and development of a generic for Mylan anyway.  If a poll was taken of families that needed auto-injectors, it would be interesting to know how big a percentage actually went for Auvi-Q the first time around.  How much of a chunk did that take out of the Epipen business?  I know we switched over for all of our kids immediately, and would do so again. 

Just hoping that Auvi-Q actually doesn't have more troubles a second time around, and is really able to make the cost as close to $0 as possible.  It would be brilliant!

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on October 26, 2016, 12:10:06 PM
Hope that insurance will cover it...ours didn't the last time.  Anyone know what the price was before without insurance?
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 27, 2016, 09:07:45 AM
Roger, copy on the middle finger to Mylan!!

I do not know what the AuviQ pair "actually" cost, but an old pharmacy receipt (3 years?) I had said something like "$350 if bought without insurance" . . . . but who knows if that was accurate.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on October 27, 2016, 04:00:54 PM
 :bye:

So happy for this and thrilled DD will have them for college!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on November 01, 2016, 12:42:47 PM
Whatever market based challenges Auvi-Q had in the past are dwarfed by Mylan's Epigate.  It's a completely different scenario now.  They will no longer be looking at challenging a monopoly they'll have to ride consumer sentiment and develop strategy against multiple players.  The FDA has been largely silent but I'd bet real money some asses were chewed behind the scenes sending them scrambling to fast track new entries that are established reliably in other markets abroad.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: GoingNuts on November 23, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
http://allergicliving.com/2016/10/26/auvi-q-makers-announce-relaunch-of-talking-auto-injector/
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on November 23, 2016, 01:21:10 PM
*sigh* We are going to have to wait a while longer in Canada.  It looks like their priority is America. Fingers crossed that Canada will be soon to follow. Very, very soon.  Oh, let me cross everything: fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyes...

I am tired of lugging EpiPens on my runs and workouts, when Allerjects fit perfectly in the waistband pockets of my running gear. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: krasota on November 23, 2016, 08:49:23 PM
A year ago or so, they were $100 more for a two-pack than epi-pens. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: JenniferB on December 15, 2016, 04:35:17 PM
I wonder if they will be covered by our insurance. I know in MA, the copay coupon for Epis won't work anymore once that generic from Mylan is on the market...
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: CMdeux on December 19, 2016, 02:31:57 PM
^ what krasota said.


It's why we didn't switch at the time, but I'd have loved to have DD carrying one that instructed a relatively inexperienced friend/bystander through administration, and we considered that when she started college, but... then they were pulled from the market... 

 :'(
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on January 11, 2017, 10:23:29 PM
I work in a pharmacy and got a call from someone from the company today. She said it will be out in the next couple weeks!! They addressed the concern of costs and prior auths and with patient assistance, highest copay iill be $10, even with high deductible plans.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on January 11, 2017, 10:37:24 PM
Awesome!   

I've been meaning to post since DS went to his allergist last week, and she said that when it comes out, two weeks afterward she'll send the script directly to kaleo and they'll send it to him.

That didn't really make sense to me, and it really doesn't now.  But as long as it comes out soon, I'll be happy. And $10--unbelievable!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on January 12, 2017, 05:30:14 AM
momma2- any idea what it costs without insurance?  I don't believe our insurance will cover them. I'd really like 2 for DS to carry to school instead of epis.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on January 12, 2017, 07:41:56 AM
I am so excited! 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on January 12, 2017, 08:33:48 AM
No idea on cash price but check their website, she said there iis a number patients can call with any questions. I will look in the price tool and see ifnit is listed yet when I go in.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: SilverLining on January 12, 2017, 11:51:14 AM
Even though this may never be available to me, and even if it is available here eventually, it's highly unlikely my insurance will cover it, I just want to say that I am so happy for those that will soon have this option again. :)

I hope there are no problems this time. :)
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 14, 2017, 08:46:05 AM
I work in a pharmacy and got a call from someone from the company today. She said it will be out in the next couple weeks!! They addressed the concern of costs and prior auths and with patient assistance, highest copay iill be $10, even with high deductible plans.

I hope this is true about the timing! I'm on an email list to get updates and haven't heard anything. If it was going to be out in a couple weeks, you'd think they'd be letting people know.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on January 14, 2017, 09:23:45 AM
Well it was directly from the company, to let us know to expect them. I would assume they are contacting doctors offices as well.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 14, 2017, 10:47:54 AM
I suppose if they said a couple of weeks, they really must be ready to go. Not like oh it should be ready in 6 weeks--a deadline that could easily be missed. So that does sound promising!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: YouKnowWho on January 20, 2017, 07:20:43 PM
Per KFA - release date is Valentine's Day
https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/press-release-auvi-q-epinephrine-autoinjector-coming-back-in-february-2017-with-new-affordable-plan?utm_source=2016+KFA+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=ccacd2c3a6-eNews_Strides_2017_01_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c25c5cef21-ccacd2c3a6-95350865&mc_cid=ccacd2c3a6&mc_eid=b35f8b82b9
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: CMdeux on January 20, 2017, 09:41:52 PM
Wow-- really really hoping that this is not true-- because there is no way that I could switch to an Auvi-Q in anything like reasonable conscience if it is...


 :-[


http://arstechnica.com/science/2017/01/another-alternative-to-mylans-600-epipen-this-ones-4500/
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: SilverLining on January 20, 2017, 10:28:02 PM
Allergic Living has an article about it. It makes my head hurt.

http://allergicliving.com/2017/01/20/auvi-q-auto-injector-returns-but-questions-arise-on-pricing-scheme/
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on January 23, 2017, 11:41:04 AM
I nearly fell off my chair when I read that.  That's robbery.   :rant:

I'm still confused as to how prices of anything medical in America changes whether you have insurance or not.  Why does that even matter?  Shouldn't the cost remain the same?  Why are insurance companies being forced to pay so much - doesn't that just make insurance rates go higher and higher?  Makes no sense to me. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: CMdeux on January 23, 2017, 11:53:57 AM
doesn't that just make insurance rates go higher and higher?



In a word-- yes.   :-[ :-/

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 23, 2017, 01:40:24 PM
Maybe Trump will fix it. I'm half serious.  :hiding: We just have to get him to tweet about it. We need to harness his tweeting power.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 23, 2017, 01:41:09 PM
I had been coming to post this email I got from them:

Hello,

Thank you for your patience as we have worked to bring AUVI-Q back to the market. We wanted to make sure you heard directly from us that we are announcing AUVI-Q will be available by prescription nationwide on February 14.

Please visit www.auvi-q.com for more information on AUVI-Q, including pricing.
 

Thanks again for your continued support.

Best,

Your AUVI-Q Team
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on January 23, 2017, 01:45:51 PM
I would love these for DS.  Finding cargo pants that fit 2 epi pens is challenging.  Our insurance company did not cover it last time so I'm sure they won't this time either.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: ajasfolks2 on January 23, 2017, 06:55:44 PM
I would expect few insurance plans will cover at that high cost.

What the hell are they thinking???

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: YouKnowWho on January 23, 2017, 09:05:27 PM
Cigna and Express Scripts are out.  No Auvi Q for us, no name brand Epi.  Would truly like to thank the epinephrine makers for nothing.  Truly.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 24, 2017, 07:31:46 AM
Same here. We have Cigna. I just really don't understand what Kaleo is thinking with that pricing. Who would pay that and why do they think it's ok as long as customers don't have to pay it?
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on January 24, 2017, 07:43:45 AM
They would sell more with a lower price. If it were $100,they could easily sell 45 of them for every one $4500 set.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: starlight on January 24, 2017, 08:50:08 AM
Can someone point me to the prices? All I'm seeing is "$0 out of pocket for all commercially insured patients including high deductible plans." and "Support for patients who can't afford their medicines and who do not have commercial or government insurance." Not sure how they can make that guarantee for all commercially insured folk but whatev.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: ctmartin on January 24, 2017, 09:30:48 AM

I just got off the phone with Auvi-Q, as everything I am seeing is very confusing regarding pricing.  The rep told me that if you have insurance ... even if it is high deductible or you have no prescription coverage ... your copay will be $0.  She also told me that if you do not have insurance, if you make under $100,000, your co-pay will be ($0). I guess what I don't understand is what do people here mean when they say their insurance will not cover it?  Isn't it still free??
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on January 24, 2017, 09:45:37 AM
There was a statement about insurance issued through the government...DH is retired military so we still use tricare which did not cover auvi-q the first time around so I highly doubt they will cover it this time either.  I assume we would end up paying the $360 if I ask the allergist for a prescription.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on January 24, 2017, 12:14:29 PM
We have cigna also.  I was actually looking forward to not buying epipens, or their generics.  Auvi-q was something we definitely were looking forward to.  AND, even paying for it would have been fine.

I, however, am even more disgusted by their whole insurance scheme than I was with Mylan's gross overbloated prices. 

Going forward, when it comes time for new auto-injectors, I have a feeling the generic CVS will be what we will get.  Unless they have some jerky scheme where those really are $10,000 for insurance companies or something. 

I really don't get it though.  Why would any company, especially after Mylan's really bad PR, re-launch with a scheme that is only going to get them cr@ppy publicity?  Unless they really just don't care about succeeding? 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: CMdeux on January 24, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
I, however, am even more disgusted by their whole insurance scheme than I was with Mylan's gross overbloated prices. 



THAT.



I refuse to be a party to it as long as I have any alternative at all.  Period.  I don't CARE if they are "free" to me.  It's merely a tactic to recapture market share, given the other crap about their pricing scheme.    Just because they CAN do this to medicare, medicaid, and insurers who haven't closed the loop here, doesn't mean that they should do it. 

No conscience.  Ergo, none of my business.   :tongue:
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on January 25, 2017, 11:23:32 AM
I refuse to be a party to it as long as I have any alternative at all.  Period.  I don't CARE if they are "free" to me.  It's merely a tactic to recapture market share, given the other crap about their pricing scheme.    Just because they CAN do this to medicare, medicaid, and insurers who haven't closed the loop here, doesn't mean that they should do it. 

No conscience.  Ergo, none of my business.


Yes.  Exactly.

I think that when I thought of Auvi-q.... at least the first go round, it seemed like it was about listening and thinking about what people living with FA's needed.  The people who designed it also knew what it was like to need one.  There was this sense that it was by people like us, for people like us. 

This pricing garbage really just pulls the curtain back.  Sure, you get what would actually be better .... except that you basically have to turn a blind eye to the repugnancy of the pricing scheme.

It feels even more disappointing to feel like somehow they've managed to find a way to look substantially more sleazy than Mylan. 

I think I also didn't figure the price wouldn't be sort of high because of the whole recall and need to reboot... you figure that would likely be figured in to things.... trying to recoup money for a variety of things, including restarting and trying to turn a profit.  But, it is just too much. 

Honestly, we were so looking forward to getting all the boys set up with the auvi-q's.... but now, that is out the window. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on January 25, 2017, 12:11:20 PM
If this is doable for us, I will likely toss my morality out the window instead. DS was the first person in the Twin Cities to get Auvis from a CVS. He loved them. Girls often have the option of carrying epis in their purse, but unless he has his backpack with him, those epis have to go in a pocket. It is hard to do that. The generic should be easier but nothing like Auvis.

His safety during a reaction is more important than my moral outrage (which I will voice loudly to Kaleo). So if we can go back to Auvis, we will. :-/
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 26, 2017, 08:11:32 AM
If this is doable for us, I will likely toss my morality out the window instead. DS was the first person in the Twin Cities to get Auvis from a CVS. He loved them. Girls often have the option of carrying epis in their purse, but unless he has his backpack with him, those epis have to go in a pocket. It is hard to do that. The generic should be easier but nothing like Auvis.

His safety during a reaction is more important than my moral outrage (which I will voice loudly to Kaleo). So if we can go back to Auvis, we will. :-/

I was just going to post the same thing. If it's $360 for us, we'll do it. I don't understand the pricing structure well enough anyway to have a lot of moral outrage. I mean clearly, pricing it at $4500 is outrageous, but I think the system they have to work within is really screwed up and Congress may have a role here. And the insurance companies. It's not all on Kaleo. I haven't looked into them to see what they pay their CEO or how much money they make or how much it cost them to relaunch. Maybe they are being completely outrageous, but I don't know.

But yes, having a son who carries epis in his pocket--I'll get him the auvis if we can.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: GoingNuts on January 26, 2017, 10:35:39 AM
^^ Ditto. DS has left his Epipens in the car a few too many times because the didn't fit in his pocket. We'll see what Oxford charges.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on January 26, 2017, 11:40:20 AM
Just as a sort of aside.... it would be more convenient to have auvi-q's ..... for the size.

However, DS1, uses a belt that is like the spibelt, but has a second smaller pocket.  He fits 2 epipens & 4 bendryl fast melts in the larger pocket, and in the smaller one he has a phone and student body card.  Money sometimes. 

He is slim, and wears the belt, with untucked shirt.  Other people can't tell he is wearing something..... but he knows when he doesn't have his "kit" because, well, you feel that you are missing something as you walk out the door. 

One of the take-aways from reading the stories of fatalities over the years has been that teens forget their epipens.  We've been militant on having a system that makes it so there is habit ..... with a routine..... which makes it so part of going out the door, including putting on shoes and socks, also means putting on your kit.  Along with having a hook for it. 

I imagine that when he goes to college, if he is living away from home for that, will be to establish a spot for his kit.

I would absolutely love to have his kit not be so bulky.  When he had auvi-q's before it was nice.  But, without some sort of routine, or established spot, that creates that automatic memory that you are forgetting something, even auvi-q's can be forgotten or left someplace.  Auvi-q's can also fall out of pockets.  Or be left in them.  I have no idea how well they would do going through the washer & dryer...... they might not fare as well as lego minifigures.

edited to add:  I guess my point is that size isn't all that matters necessarily for us..... and.... the whole issue with pricing, well, we've talked in our house about the jerky-ness of Mylan... to then turn a blind eye to Auvi-q would not sit well just with my own beliefs.  Just because the system exists as it is, doesn't mean you have to contribute to what makes it so cr@ppy.  Couldn't they try to find a way to be part of the solution to it?  Decide not to play the game?   
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on January 26, 2017, 12:33:12 PM
Good points gvmom.

Our DS is a freshman in college this year (can you believe our kids are grown up?!). He hasn't work a spindly since 8th grade--just wouldn't do it. It's been a pocket thing for him. And he has had an auvi since his freshman year of HS (but not last year obv). He did competitive Speech all through high school and on Saturdays wore a suit 7am-6pm, and the AuviQ was invisible in his coat pocket.

Right now, with the size of the EpiPen, he keeps two in his backpack but has to remember to put them in his pocket when he doesn't have his backpack with him.


So looking at our insurance, generic epinephrine  autoinjector  is Tier 1 and the  Jr version is Tier 4. !!!  And both may require using Step Therapy (a different drug) really?  EpiPens are Tier 3. AuviQ is Tier 4 and may require step therapy.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on January 26, 2017, 12:52:39 PM
I can't even believe it really.  I was just thinking this morning about how many people were here from way back when I was looking around for someplace to find any information & support .... back when DS1 was a toddler.  How many of us have high schoolers or kids in college now.  It is crazy!

I had to go look up the whole Step Therapy thing though.  Amazing how so many things get thought up and given a catch name.  Such BS. 

Anyway..... yeah...... I am not sure about that.  We'll have to check it all out because I'm not sure how you do anything else besides some sort of epinephrine autoinjector for when you need epinephrine.  The table I found ... which I'm not sure if it is accurate.... didn't make any sense to me.  Certainly finding all sorts of nasal sprays didn't seem to make any sense to me as something that should be related to equitable to an auto-injector.

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on January 26, 2017, 04:53:04 PM
Boys...Auvi Q?  If and when check out Running Buddy.  I bought these Mini Pouches as stocking stuffers for my boys and DH for ID's and money for biking, they are awesome!  The mini even says it will hold Auvi Q.

https://www.therunningbuddy.com/collections/buddy-pouch/products/running-buddy-mini


I echo what was said above and I don't have a boy who carries.  If and when, I will do my very best to get Auvi Q's for DD.  She and I were sad when we had to give them up.  We are both thrilled that they could be an option for her at college....she will not be with the friends she grew up with, but they are easy to teach to new friends and on a college campus, who knows who she might need help from...a better option for her.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on January 26, 2017, 05:55:29 PM
I've seen that carrier in action at a cross country meet for a girl with asthma.  Was so nice and small...most people probably didn't even notice it.  Now that I said I would only get them for DS, that carrier would be prefect for DD (wasps and yellow jackets) when they are doing their runs for swim team this spring.  The larger running buddy did not work for DS and epi pens...he's just not big enough to have a pouch that big.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on January 26, 2017, 06:44:08 PM
I got one for ds last year I think. I'm the only one that uses it.  ~) I use it to hold my phone and keys when dd and I go for a bike ride.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: MaryM on January 29, 2017, 08:16:23 AM
DS was so excited that the Auvi-Q was coming back but Cigna will not cover it :(  He really wanted to go back to using his running buddy at school rather than the bulky spi belt.  I really wanted them too bc they take up much less space in my purse. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: SaraM on January 30, 2017, 01:30:20 PM
Just an FYI, if you want to use their $0 coupon program, the Auvi-q has to be MAILED to you or your physician. I called them because I was concerned about temperature fluctuations during transit (and in my mailbox in Chicago!).  All customer service could tell me was "it will arrive in a box". Sigh....I guess I will see what it prices out as through our insurance. I would ASSUME temperature sensitive medications going straight to a pharmacy get special treatment, but now I'm wondering...

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on January 30, 2017, 04:52:13 PM
There is info about the cold temps somewhere here--it's not as much of a concern IMHO. And I'm in Minnesota.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: YouKnowWho on January 31, 2017, 04:31:47 PM
More concerning for me in GA given the higher temps as of late (and into the summer).
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Mr. Barlow on January 31, 2017, 05:45:00 PM
Mine were ordered last week I'm waiting for them to come in wishing like crazy they could be voiced by Bianca Del Rio.  Not today, Anaphylaxis.  Not today. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on February 01, 2017, 03:44:11 PM
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/Pharma-firm--Opioid-Overdose-Antidote-Then-Raising-The-Price.html

Just for point of discussion.... when it comes to the ethics of choice..... Kaleo just priced Naloxone from a $600 range to $4500 ...... that has essentially the same auvi-q design.

They were actually questioned in the spring when their product was placed in the $3000 range.

Anyone not familiar with this product..... it is life saving in the event of opioid overdose.

Are they trying to force the overhaul of prescription drug pricing through this?  It is really pretty disgusting.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on February 01, 2017, 04:01:31 PM
The local health agency where I live would like to see everyone carrying Naloxone kits (they are handing out the regular syringe kits) because the overdose deaths have skyrocketed to create a public health emergency. I wonder how much one of the Kaleó Naloxone autoinjectors cost here in Canada? Just for comparison. 

Not that I would carry one and have someone mistake it for Epi...

I also heard that Trump is starting a process to restructure medication prices to make them cheaper.  I hope it actually happens for the Americans here.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on February 13, 2017, 05:54:18 PM
So I found out today that the AuviQ will cost $11 for a 30 day supply. For me. 🦀🍤🦐🍔☕️. (Wow--so many crustacean emoji! And such cute little sesame seeds on the hamburger! That last one is supposed to be chamomile tea.)

I love the 30 day supply thing. That has made easy to stockpile for school in the past when DS had that policy.

But he doesn't now. His will be around $150. Boo.


These are both without the affordability program.


DS wants his Auvis back BIGLY BADLY.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on February 14, 2017, 07:18:45 AM
That's great!  I need to call our insurance and see what they will cover.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on February 14, 2017, 09:31:30 AM
What does that mean--a 30 day supply?

I just got this from auvi-q, saying it's $0 out of pocket if you have commercial insurance.


We are pleased to announce that AUVI-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP) is available.

AUVI-Q is easy to use and is about the size of a credit card and the thickness of a cell phone, so it'll fit into most pockets and small purses.
•    AUVI-Q is designed with voice instructions to help make it easy to use.
•    AUVI-Q is the first and only epinephrine auto-injector with an auto-retractable needle.

Ask your doctor if AUVI-Q is right for you.

AUVI-Q AffordAbility™ is a first-of-its-kind access program for AUVI-Q. It provides:
•    $0 out of pocket for all commercially insured patients, including high deductible plans.†
•    Support for patients who can't afford their medicines and who do not have commercial or government insurance.
•    Direct delivery service provides AUVI-Q within 48 hours shipped directly to your home, and can ensure the best expiration dating for AUVI-Q.

†Not valid for patients insured in whole or in part by government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, or other federal or state health programs (such as state prescription drug programs). Savings limits apply. Please see full eligibility requirements at www.auvi-q.com.

Get your AUVI-Q in 2 easy steps through the direct delivery service:
1.    Visit www.auvi-q.com to download the enrollment form. Complete and bring to your physician in order to start the process.
2.    Delivered within 48 hours. AUVI-Q is shipped directly to your home.
   Call 1-877-30-AUVIQ
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 14, 2017, 10:45:19 AM
This whole thing is a #$&##*#* trying to get the Auvi-Q back. I got the email update from kaleo this morning saying it's available. I called my doctor and asked for a prescription (In New York all prescriptions are now digital and I have to wait for the doctor to approve it to push to the pharmacy.) I had been speaking with Kaleo about the copay program before today, and here is my understanding (please note, if you find a contradiction in your personal experience, share it as this is all new):

You *can* fill with a local pharmacy and somehow the price is supposed to be zero if you have commercial insurance. They don't offer a traditional copay card, but I have had automatic "coupons" on medication deduct without me ever giving the pharmacy anything. If the pharmacist can't fill the scrip (order issues, etc.) or it doesn't price at zero on commercial insurance, they're supposed to call Kaleo to sort it out [The help document on the Auvi-Q](https://www.auvi-q.com/pdf/Direct-Delivery-Service.pdf).

So I called my local CVS this morning to find out if they could order it or had ordered it and I got the discontinued spiel, I explained it was reintroduced. Pharmacist checks computer and they can't even order it. I called my local non-chain pharmacy and they checked too; they said their wholesaler (McKesson) does not offer it as an option for them to order at the pharmacy. I called the toll free number this morning and they directed me to tell the pharmacists to call them, both CVS and local pharmacist said they can't do anything about it  until the wholesaler (McKesson, Cardinal Health, etc.) offers it for order.

So basically I'm in limbo on when and if I can get it again.

The help document also states that if your commercial insurance won't cover it that " kaléo will pay the total amount so that you have a $0 out-of-pocket cost." (For people who it is covered, Kaleo offers to cover the copay if the coverage by the insurer is 90%, leaving it in limbo if it's a true zero copay). How this is done, zero details  :'(

At this point, I'm waiting for CVS to get the prescription from my doctor (they take 1-3 days to fill non-critical prescriptions, and since I have an EpiPen it isn't considered critical) and to find out if CVS is even going to be able to order the medication. I refuse to enroll in the direct delivery service on the grounds that they want the last four digits of my social security number which is something I don't give to pharmacies or doctors, ever.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on February 14, 2017, 07:36:27 PM
Yeah, yesterday when I called CVS, it wasn't in the system yet.

30 day supply in the past has meant I get two every 30 days. That's how iurbinsirence wssnbefore with them, and we were able to build up some back ups (we did not get them every month though I helped we could have).
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on February 14, 2017, 08:17:45 PM
We haven't gotten any in, will check tomorrow to see if available through Cardinal yet.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: SaraM on February 15, 2017, 08:54:01 AM
Yeah,  Auvi-q needs to get it together. I was told I could *not* order from a local pharmacy  (apparently not accurate). Also, customer service was supposed to get back to me about temperature control questions  (never happened). And yes, Walgreens, didn't have it in their system. Sigh....
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on February 15, 2017, 01:11:59 PM
So I can now see it in our system as far as pricing but unavailable to order from Cardinal. Cash price is sadly listed as $2700
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Janelle205 on February 15, 2017, 03:36:18 PM
I'm guessing I can call somewhere and ask, but does anyone know if I can use the discount program if I have Medicare not Part D?  I only use private insurance for prescriptions.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 15, 2017, 03:47:52 PM
So I got in touch with kaléo and they were able to get my application through in a mutually agreeable way (I didn't want to supply the last four digits of social as that is highly sensitive info, more places it is, more likely it gets lost). They called me today to confirm (caller ID just said "PHARMACY", phone number 844-357-3968) and have arranged delivery for Monday (they offered Friday originally, but I asked them to require a signature and Monday is the earliest date where I will be available to sign. Don't want them sitting outside in the cold!). If/when I get them maybe I will take a couple pics of the packaging. I'm curious about the courier and the packaging given the limited temperature range it's supposed to be subject to.

My insurance priced two cartons (for a total of 4 Auvi-Q injectors and 2 trainers) at $90 copay, which was automatically coupon'd down to $0. If the delivery follows through, then I'd say it's a very smooth experience. (The "plan pays" portion was somewhere around $330 for 2 injectors and 4 injectors gave the $8,000 price on caremark.com's "Price a Drug" tool).

Rather than giving the doctor the form it looks like they can use this site to submit the prescription or put in the NPI into EMR software (which would apply in new york where e-Prescription is required in-state, so everyone has the software for e-Prescription already).

I'm guessing I can call somewhere and ask, but does anyone know if I can use the discount program if I have Medicare not Part D?  I only use private insurance for prescriptions.
Based on the help doc on the Auvi-Q site, it isn't discounted, price varies on Medicare. Link to document:

Quote from: AUVI-Q
For eligible patients with government insurance (e.g. Medicaid or Medicare), the out-of-pocket cost of
AUVI-Q will vary according to plan.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Janelle205 on February 15, 2017, 06:13:45 PM
I'm guessing I can call somewhere and ask, but does anyone know if I can use the discount program if I have Medicare not Part D?  I only use private insurance for prescriptions.
Based on the help doc on the Auvi-Q site, it isn't discounted, price varies on Medicare. Link to document:

Quote from: AUVI-Q
For eligible patients with government insurance (e.g. Medicaid or Medicare), the out-of-pocket cost of
AUVI-Q will vary according to plan.

I get that part, but I don't have any government insurance that covers prescriptions - you have to buy part D coverage if you want it - and it wasn't worth it since I have good private insurance that covers prescriptions.  So the pharmacy doesn't even know that I have Medicare, if that makes sense.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 15, 2017, 06:32:07 PM
I get that part, but I don't have any government insurance that covers prescriptions - you have to buy part D coverage if you want it - and it wasn't worth it since I have good private insurance that covers prescriptions.  So the pharmacy doesn't even know that I have Medicare, if that makes sense.

If you don't have any government coverage that covers prescriptions and you have annual income of less than $100K/yr (household) I'd apply for the Auvi-Q patient assistance program.

I had a lot of trouble figuring it out and getting a prescription and at the toll free number they had to redirect me a couple times (once to a different department, then a supervisor) but they got me sorted out very quickly.

EDIT: Well, as it turns out, they apparently did charge my insurance almost $9,000 for four Auvi-Q units:

(https://imgroll.net/images/2017/02/16/fill-2-16.png)

There's still a lot of room for shenanigans (example: Drug companies can and routinely do receive rebates of 30-50% when buying brand name drugs) but it appears that theories they were targeting permissive plans is entirely correct - even if you take off half of $9,000 you still get $4,500 from my employer (I'm on a large group plan where all the PBM rebates get forwarded to my company). It's really a hell of a gambit to subsidize devices for those making less than $100,000 a year and for those on high deductible plans to reduce the out of pocket to zero, for those who have commercial insurance that refuses to cover it, etc... I think they have a very limited amount of time before every major pharmacy benefits manager calls it a non-covered drug and then Kaleo is the only one paying for prescriptions. Either that or they change list price for the medication that is much more in line with prior history when Sanofi was the owner.

I receive on Monday. We'll see what the expiration dates are (I saw one blog mention the first batch having April 2018 expirations) and if my insurance plan will still pay for Auvi-Q when I need to get new ones...
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 16, 2017, 03:23:01 PM
Our allergist has submitted through the prescportal.  Together we are using this as a data gathering experiment to evaluate the logistics.  On the horizon we all may have long term supply guarantees.

Quote
Klobuchar Presses Pharmaceutical Company kaléo for Answers on High Prices of Medications that Treat Opioid Overdoses and Food Allergies

February 3, 2017

Kaléo increased the price of a two-pack of Evzio, a device containing naloxone that treats life-threatening opioid overdoses, from $690 to over $4,500 during the last three years; It also announced that it was re-introducing AUVI-Q, an epinephrine injector for those with food allergies, back to the United States at a price of $4,500 for a two-pack

 

In a letter to President and CEO Williamson, Klobuchar asked kaléo to explain its high prices


WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar pressed pharmaceutical company kaléo for answers regarding the high prices of its medications that treat opioid overdoes and food allergies. Kaléo increased the price of a two-pack of Evzio, a device containing naloxone that treats life-threatening opioid overdoses, from $690 to over $4,500 during the last three years. It also announced that it was re-introducing AUVI-Q, an epinephrine injector for those with food allergies, back to the United States at a price of $4,500 for a two-pack. In a letter to President and CEO Williamson, Klobuchar asked kaléo to explain its high prices.


“Due to the severity of the opioid epidemic and Evzio’s life-saving attributes, it is critical that your products remain affordable to Americans,” Klobuchar wrote.  “Second, you announced that you are re-introducing AUVI-Q, an epinephrine injector for those with food allergies, back to the United States at a price of $4,500 for a two-pack. Your price of $4,500 for a two-pack is especially disturbing, as more competition should mean lower—rather than higher—prices for epinephrine injectors. We must make the market work for consumers.”

 

Klobuchar has championed efforts to address the high cost of prescription drugs, authoring multiple pieces of legislation that would protect American consumers. She introduced the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, which would allow for Medicare to negotiate the best possible price of prescription drugs. Klobuchar joined with Senators Grassley, Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Mike Lee (R-UT) to introduce the Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act to deter pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace. She has also introduced the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to expand consumers’ access to the cost-saving generic drugs they need and increase competition between drug manufacturers by helping to end “pay for delay” deals—the practice of brand-name drug manufacturers using anti-competitive pay-off agreements to keep more affordable generic equivalents off the market. In addition, Klobuchar introduced the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) that would require the Food and Drug Administration to establish a personal importation program that would allow individuals to import a 90-day supply of prescription drugs from an approved Canadian pharmacy.

The full text of Klobuchar’s letter is below:

Dear Mr. Williamson:

 

I am writing to express concern over your company’s drug pricing for two products: Evzio and AUVI-Q. First, kaléo has increased the price of a two-pack of Evzio, a device containing naloxone that treats life-threatening opioid overdoses, from $690 to over $4,500 during the last three years. This price increase is worrisome. Due to the severity of the opioid epidemic and Evzio’s life-saving attributes, it is critical that your products remain affordable to Americans.

 

Second, you announced that you are re-introducing AUVI-Q, an epinephrine injector for those with food allergies, back to the United States at a price of $4,500 for a two-pack. This price is much higher than Mylan’s two-pack price of $600, which understandably sparked outrage over the high costs of these products. Your price of $4,500 for a two-pack is especially disturbing, as more competition should mean lower—rather than higher—prices for epinephrine injectors.

 

I understand that kaléo is trying to mitigate the impact on consumers by providing Evzio for free to cities, first responders, and drug treatment programs, and offering various programs to help ensure that no consumer pays the $4,500 price for AUVI-Q. While these subsidies and programs are noteworthy, I am concerned that they do not address the underlying problem of rising prescription drug costs. These programs may simply shift costs to other parts of the healthcare system, which are eventually passed on to consumers through higher premiums. Many worry this pricing strategy may allow pharmaceutical companies to benefit from increased profits while hiding the true costs to consumers.

 

I want to understand the pricing approach kaléo has adopted. Please respond to the following questions.

 

1.  Why did you increase the price of Evzio by 700 percent over the last three years?

     a. How much has the cost of manufacturing Evzio changed over the last three years?

 

2.   In explaining the pricing of AUVI-Q, you said “[t]he reason the list price is high is it’s the only way we can make sure patients have access and can get it for $0.”  Please explain why kaléo needs to adopt this pricing system to ensure patient access to AUVI-Q.

 

3.  Other companies are pricing a two-pack of epinephrine injectors in the $100 to $300 dollar range in addition to providing generous rebates. Why is kaléo unable to follow a similar pricing strategy for your epinephrine injector?

 

I am sure you appreciate the importance of making prescription drugs affordable. We must make the market work for consumers. I look forward to your responses.


Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on February 16, 2017, 03:46:48 PM
Someone mentioned that McKesson is a wholesaler. I emailed my sister, who works for them, to see if she could find out anything, but she didn't know anything about when they'd be sent out.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 17, 2017, 08:26:27 AM
My Auvi-Q order was shipped very late in the day (5PM) from a Thrifty White pharmacy in Fargo, North Dakota. I did not receive a call or email from Auvi-Q/Kaleo/ASPN, just a shipment notification from UPS. This is somewhat surprising as I asked for Monday delivery and explained I would not be home to sign for the package. It would be ~16 hours (incl. time "lost" by moving forward from central time to eastern time) door to door if it were delivered today.

Luckily I was able to divert the shipment to my local UPS store (free if you sign up for a UPS My Choice account, which allows you to see all packages coming to you at your address) which will mean it will sit in a heated store for the weekend rather than being left out in the cold at the front door and I can get it monday.

(https://i.imgur.com/GgVFjSr.png)

EDIT: And now we try to push the experimentation further with the insurance on the rest of my family (all of whom have some form of food allergy):

Interestingly enough Kaleo's AffordAbility FAQ says:

Quote from: kaleo
We will not be offering a traditional co-pay coupon card. Through the AffordAbilityTM program, our goal is to make obtaining AUVI-Q efficient and easy for $0 if you have commercial insurance, even for those with high deductible plans.

However, when I spoke to my allergist's office this morning about getting the scrip for the rest of the family they said an Auvi-Q rep had dropped off literature including copay coupon cards yesterday. So I have no idea what the reality is.

EDIT 2: Prescriber tried online direct delivery website and it would not process/proceed on fill without last four of patient social entered. I asked them to instead fill via EMR (ePrescription) direct from the provider's software. Will see if that still requires the SSN or not. (I did the faxed form, did not enter last four of SSN, and my prescription was still processed).
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 17, 2017, 12:50:25 PM
nyguy is my brother from another mother. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 17, 2017, 05:57:12 PM
Family is taken care of except for one (not present to consent to sharing HIPAA information).

Parent's insurance plan said preauth required, direct delivery was somehow able to auth at $35 copay (coupon'ed).
Brother's commercial insurance plan said ineligible, Auvi-Q Direct Delivery said no money due for that reason.
Other brother needs to call in and either consent to me speaking on his behalf (HIPAA) or finish the call on a high deductible plan.

With an e-prescription the subject of last four digits of SSN never came up (from EMR), with an online portal subscription it won't process without an entry in that field. Fax they may or may not ignore it, YMMV.

Hope this is helpful to all here.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on February 18, 2017, 07:57:23 AM
You are good to your family!

I went to CVS yesterday and it's still not available for them yet.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on February 18, 2017, 10:19:09 AM
OMG, name, I was thinking the exact same thing.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on February 18, 2017, 10:20:04 AM
Thank you ny!

North Dakota--that is hopeful for me. I will say that the temps in the upper Midwest right now are really warm for us.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 20, 2017, 08:11:51 AM
Alright, so the first set is in. I went to the UPS Store and asked to pick up, my mind was racing: What kind of special packing would they use?

(https://i.imgur.com/edZ6mxh.jpg)

 ~) Hmmmm. Seems pretty standard. At this point I began to worry about how it was packaged on the inside.

(https://i.imgur.com/1hQnFGm.jpg)

Nice and tight in a foil bag. I pulled it out and noticed that the bag seemed more like a pillow.

(https://i.imgur.com/DDaz3a2.jpg)

And indeed, not only was the bag padded but they had a hot/cold pack in there too. Which they then proceeded to explain.

(https://i.imgur.com/umkwKRP.jpg)

Bag contents: Drug information sheet with patient info, privacy policy information, leaflet explaining packaging and not to refrigerate, hot/cold pack, 2x Auvi-Q boxes (4 devices/2 trainers).

(https://i.imgur.com/dP076mu.jpg)

Looks pretty much identical to the Sanofi days (just saying Kaleo now).

(https://i.imgur.com/7Tx2Tl1.jpg)

Same for the Autoinjectors, which are dated (expiration) for April 14th, 2018>

That's all for now, waiting for the rest of the family to have theirs filled.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on February 20, 2017, 01:02:41 PM
Thank you!  This is awesome info to have.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on February 21, 2017, 11:35:57 AM
Called my local pharmacy to see if they had any, nope, but she told me they have the generic epi pen...
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 21, 2017, 01:25:59 PM
Where is the "Love" button?

 :happydance:
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 21, 2017, 02:17:08 PM
Where is the KEEP button?  I need to convince my brother from another mother to stay affiliated over the long haul.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: chase on February 21, 2017, 06:02:49 PM
We have express scripts pharmacy insurance.  Just got a call from Auvi-Q.  They are paying the co-pay and we are paying zero!  They are being mailed and I should receive them in 48 hours.
CVS would not tell me the co-pay until I had script from the doctor.  They would need to order the Auvi-Q before telling me any price. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 21, 2017, 06:15:08 PM
Next set is shipping from a pharmacy in Syracuse NY (different part of the same state).  Not sure how many are in it (UPS delivery lists package weight as 3.4 lbs) but I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

(I'm actually over the border in Canada right now, but I'm sure I'll get a report from the family...)
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on February 22, 2017, 03:20:57 PM
Yay, congratulations on the return of Auvi-Q!!!!   :heart:  :yes:  :heart:  *swoon*

Now, who wants to start shipping them to Canada?  I am really tired of wearing EpiPens on my back during workouts.  Bring back Allerject! 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 23, 2017, 12:22:13 PM
We are at the stage Kaleo has issued $0 co-pay cards to our local pharmacy.  Our commercial insurance will not cover Auvi-q, and in our location Direct Delivery was not possible.  Kaleo was not terribly clear about why.

The local pharmacy is averse to fulfilling the prescription, and reasonably so because of the list price coupled with strange new co-pay right after a monopolistic market.  I'll give it a week to self resolve before I apply more stick to Kaleo to get this figured out more immediately.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: CMdeux on February 23, 2017, 01:49:23 PM
Interesting-- ran into Dr. Awesome Allergist's nurse up at the clinic this morning, and she said the same thing that name just mentioned-- pharmacies won't order them in (HA-- yeah, no kidding, not with a 4K+ list price and no insurer offering payment assurance) ... and the patient co-pay coverage/card thing is just... weird apparently-- so, yeah-- pharmacy response is clearly-- "NO.  No, thank you, we will not be getting stuck with a 4K pair of autoinjectors that nobody is going to reimburse us for."

So she knows of nobody who has managed to get them again locally, because of this weirdness snag.


Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 24, 2017, 09:22:19 AM
So the Auvi-Q units for my parents arrived on Wednesday, promptly processed from a Friday night call-in to a Monday send to pharmacy, Tuesday fill/ship via overnight, to doorstep on Wednesday. The prescriptions for my two brothers have not been processed so promptly.

For brother #1 (Obamacare state extension plan won't pay), the word this morning is that it was sent to a pharmacy three days ago (Tuesday) and is expected to be filled today for arrival by monday. (If they overnight it without Saturday delivery, I would refuse delivery out of thermal concerns for the medication if it sat on a UPS truck/tractor trailer overnight.)

Brother #2, I have no idea, they only let the individual call for themselves so the status is a mystery.

I think the whole pricing is pants on head stupid and figure it will resolve itself in the next few months between people not being able to fill and media/government pressure on prescription drug pricing.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 24, 2017, 10:29:49 AM
*raises hand*  I'm the nurse's guinea pig CM mentions. 

Used corporate speak with Auvi yesterday to kick it up the chain of command.  I will probably prod the local pharmacist gently (by my standards) by email, give him a little more carrot for confidence.  If after that I see no movement I may put in a request with Auvi to restart the process with Walmart or have a chat with our compounding pharmacy - not to see if they will fulfill but I've noticed they're usually run by industry veterans who love to talk about the system.  Give me a system gives me the keys.

The following is my personal opinion.  I don't see this in the same light as EpiGate although there is a common sticker price shock to consumers on rescue meds.  Auvi is using entrepreneurial disruption to supply logistics.  They clearly want to never partner up with the current dog and pony show ever again after the Sanofi debacle.  Mylan groomed persons of decision making power in nonprofits and government to engage in official acts only possible through their position of public trust (and public dollars) to push contracts with non-compete clauses in public entities.  By massaging influence through "sponsorship" in bloggers, nonprofits, and celebrity ambassadors to reach... whoever it reached (I'm not segment target of those specific demographics) the consumers were lulled and detractors silenced through peer pressure.

Mylan groomed a herd. 
Auvi wants a direct relationship.

Both have ethical issues.  Auvi, so far as I can tell crawling their system, is giving a middle fingers up hold them hands high to existing logistics, admittedly the same crap show that led to Sanofi's hot mess and Mylan's cut throat tactics to control the market through monopoly.  Remember, Bresch's daddy is an elected official and was when Bresch's mommy was high up in the NSBA pushing EpiPens 4 Schools, wearing a willing Mylan-sponsored FARE as their public face.

I don't think I even need to get into the Mylan's $465 settlement for 'overcharging' Medicaid and Medicare. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: CMdeux on February 24, 2017, 11:55:57 AM
One thing to bear in mind is that pharmacy, like medical practice-- is regulated BY INDIVIDUAL STATES. 

So some states may permit out-of-state pharmacy mail-ins DTP and others may not.   I suspect that might be what is going on with name and why it hasn't been as smooth as for nyguy.   
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 24, 2017, 02:08:35 PM
Kaleo also had a lock on law enforcement through federal grants for naloxone so arguably our access to Auvi as direct consumers comes on the back of the a de facto Kaleo monopoly in the opioid crisis.  I do think, however, Kaleo has a legitimate form factor competitive advantage.  Law enforcement is still overwhelmingly male and they have to wear vests laden with a crap ton of gear.  If they don't have to carry the giant hot dog-shaped autoinjector they probably won't.  The voice guidance is probably a plus there as well.  One more advantage in a job that requires split-second decisions every moment.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on February 24, 2017, 06:47:22 PM
*raises hand*  I'm the nurse's guinea pig CM mentions. 

Used corporate speak with Auvi yesterday to kick it up the chain of command.  I will probably prod the local pharmacist gently (by my standards) by email, give him a little more carrot for confidence.  If after that I see no movement I may put in a request with Auvi to restart the process with Walmart or have a chat with our compounding pharmacy - not to see if they will fulfill but I've noticed they're usually run by industry veterans who love to talk about the system.  Give me a system gives me the keys.

Kaleo is small and risk averse and it shows. They have tremendous cajones on how they're trying to game the system (in a way that I think that will backfire), I think they had obligations on investments (judging by past press releases and news articles) and the recall of Auvi-Q/disassociation from Sanofi hurt them a lot. They need it to be zero out of pocket for patients to reduce the outrage, but it's all so new and it's a drug that was originally recalled by Sanofi so the logistics are challenging. A lot of pharmacies still show Auvi-Q as discontinued by manufacturer in their databases which makes it ordering it outside direct delivery challenging.

As far as what CMdeux mentions on ease of prescription filling - the entire family is filling at the same address in the state of New York, so while potentially relevant as to filling ease or possibility across forum members, it doesn't apply for my family as law remains the same for all immediate family members at this time.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on February 24, 2017, 07:10:59 PM
They could be going on the old Japanese business model of flood the market subsidizing consumer adoption to create the demand base first.  Tech disruptions have significantly shifted traditional highly regulated markets (e.g., sharing economies).  I agree with you, however, that this will fail because I don't think they are self-aware enough to know their distribution model isn't innovative so much as clunky and mismatched to meet demand.  Their only other home run depends almost exclusively on federal grants appropriated in response to a crisis--completely different fulfillment.  Which means I'm getting what I can before they go away.

Hat tip to your reports and redactions. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on March 01, 2017, 11:32:03 PM
Summary of today's totals.


$730.39 * 3 = $2,191.17
$5400.09 * 3 = $16,200.27

Total price = $18,391.44

Out of pocket $0.

I'll write up the resolution of the Auvi-q saga later.  For now let the list price soak in.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Macabre on March 02, 2017, 06:21:22 AM
This business model does not make sense.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: MaryM on March 02, 2017, 06:44:39 AM
I  just scanned and emailed my Auvi-Q forms to the allergist's office yesterday.  I am hopeful that we can get them.  I know that my insurance no longer covers Auvi-Q and now only covers generic Epi....Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on March 02, 2017, 08:17:22 AM
I'm going to bring the forms on Monday when both kids go for allergy shots.  Worth a try...the worst that can happen is that we don't get them.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on March 02, 2017, 09:47:25 AM
You should be able to get them.  In the event you reach an impasse at the pharmacy keep polite, steady pressure on the call center in New Jersey.  They are some good people hard at work, and I appreciate each and every one of them that helped roll out this relatively untested logistics.  Where you cannot get direct delivery for whatever reason I believe the preferred pharmacy for fulfillment is either a Walgreens or CVS.  I got the sense one or two of the call center folks were recent transitions to the civilian workforce from military backgrounds.  For those that have experiences going to health care on base it was about like that or similar off base in the CHAMPUS days.

Corporate's role in the US pharmacy system... that I'll get back to later.  For now I'm saving my receipts and will continue to absorb the group experience.

P.S. I was not asked for SS#.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on March 02, 2017, 08:21:43 PM
So my brother (who had insurance who refused to cover Auvi-Q) finally received his from Direct Delivery Free of charge yesterday, or about two weeks from the fill date.

I agree that the pricing model makes no sense. If the patient has commercial insurance that won't pay for Auvi-Q, Kaleo pays for the fill in entirety. It just encourages all PBMs to drop coverage for Auvi-Q so their insured still get it for free AND it isn't passed on to them in the form of increased premium costs.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on March 02, 2017, 09:32:31 PM
A friend's aren't due to arrive until April 10 due to high demand.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on March 09, 2017, 10:34:45 AM
DS needs epis this month and will be home for spring break in a couple of weeks. I'm faxing the form to the doctor now to get free auvi-qs delivered. Not sure how long it takes, but maybe we can get these delivered while he's home.  Our insurance doesn't cover it at all. I called auvi-q just to try to figure out how it works. They said the manufacturer will pay. I don't get how they're not going to go out of business. Wouldn't it be better to price it at $100 and have everyone pay for it themselves?

I also asked why they need the last 4 digits of the SSN. They said it's for the insurance company. I said that the insurance company has all the info they need based on name and DOB and she said ok I guess we don't need it then. Makes no sense. I'm just going to leave it blank and if they have a problem, they can call.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on March 11, 2017, 06:53:21 AM
DS needs epis this month and will be home for spring break in a couple of weeks. I'm faxing the form to the doctor now to get free auvi-qs delivered. Not sure how long it takes, but maybe we can get these delivered while he's home.  Our insurance doesn't cover it at all. I called auvi-q just to try to figure out how it works. They said the manufacturer will pay. I don't get how they're not going to go out of business. Wouldn't it be better to price it at $100 and have everyone pay for it themselves?

I also asked why they need the last 4 digits of the SSN. They said it's for the insurance company. I said that the insurance company has all the info they need based on name and DOB and she said ok I guess we don't need it then. Makes no sense. I'm just going to leave it blank and if they have a problem, they can call.

They charge insurance companies that will pay for it $4,500 and they charge a cash price (makes more than $100K/yr household income/no commercial insurance) of $360 (per pack of two injectors/one trainer)

So when my insurance does cover it, they get $4500 minus $90 plus some cost to dispatch to pharmacy to fill. Result is $4,410 in the black.

Even if we assume it costs them $360 to make them (doubtful), that means they could fill another 12 boxes (12 * $360 = $4,320) with the money they got from my insurer.

The SSN thing is stupid. EMR (eprescription) software doesn't require it and they accepted my faxed form without it. Their online prescriber portal requires an entry into the field and won't proceed without it.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: eragon on March 11, 2017, 12:00:16 PM
Does anyone know what their needle length is?
I dont think its the same as epi / jext.
could be an issue for woman, and the larger person.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on March 11, 2017, 06:07:39 PM
EAI needle lengths:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4779571/
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on March 14, 2017, 09:42:48 AM
I filled out the form (with no SSN) and faxed it in. They called DS (because of privacy issues, though they had already confirmed to me that they got the paperwork, so they already told me that my son has a prescription for auvi-q--what more private info could they give me. Shipping time??) Anyway, they told DS it would be 4-6 weeks before we get them. They're backed up. Their website says days.  :disappointed: His epis expire this month, but I'm sure they can last another few weeks. It would have been nice to get the auvi-qs while he was home next week, which is what I expected.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on March 20, 2017, 02:54:38 PM
Finally remembered to bring the paperwork to the allergist.  They are going to fax or call it in today.  We will see what happens.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on March 21, 2017, 01:54:59 PM
Got a call today from the Auvi-Q people.  I was told that Tricare will not pay for it, but due to their no cost program that we will still get them at $0 delivered to our house on 3/31.  Will update on the 31st.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on March 22, 2017, 07:12:58 AM
Wow, you got a delivery date? We didn't. I may have to have ds call and ask.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on March 22, 2017, 02:08:51 PM
DS just got denied.  They didn't mention DD so I'm going to wait to see if they make a mistake and it goes through.  I called Auvi-Q in Feb to see if we qualified with Tricare and they said we did.  Allergist's office just called say we don't qualify because Tricare will not pay.  So I had to call Auvi-Q and they said because we have insurance through the government we are not eligible for the affordability program. 

There was not mention of the prescription for DD so I let that one stand...maybe it will slip through the cracks and we will get them anyway.

Disappointed to say the least, but I had nothing to lose.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on March 30, 2017, 08:15:42 AM
DS just got denied.  They didn't mention DD so I'm going to wait to see if they make a mistake and it goes through.  I called Auvi-Q in Feb to see if we qualified with Tricare and they said we did.  Allergist's office just called say we don't qualify because Tricare will not pay.  So I had to call Auvi-Q and they said because we have insurance through the government we are not eligible for the affordability program. 

There was not mention of the prescription for DD so I let that one stand...maybe it will slip through the cracks and we will get them anyway.

Disappointed to say the least, but I had nothing to lose.

I'd complain to Kaléo at their number and, depending on how much you care, make a fuss over it and see if you might get a manager override. My brother has commercial Medicaid expansion Obamacare insurance in NY (which is technically a commercial plan, but state subsidized) and they refused to pay for it at all, so per Affordability program it was $0 out of pocket still;. Parents had insurance that required prior auth (For visual/hearing defects, which they did not have) and it was covered as well.

It's really unconscionable that they're willing to give it away to everyone or sell it for a reasonable price ($360 cash) if you have commercial insurance that will or won't pay for it, make less than $100K/yr, or make more than $100K with no insurance, but if you have government issued insurance (Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare etc.) you're just screwed. I know that "therapeutic equivalents" exist in Adrenaclick/generic Epi/brand EpiPen, but still. You or a family member serves the country and you get health insurance and, because of that, you shouldn't have access to a drug that you used to have access to? It's insanity.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on March 30, 2017, 08:42:22 AM
We have Tricare.  I already called and complained.  They said with luck that they would be able to roll about a program in the future that covers insurance plans through the government.  I really can't complain too much since many are paying huge amounts for epi pens and I can get them for free.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on April 02, 2017, 09:40:41 AM
Kaléo continues to operate under a shroud. I don't know the fill time for Auvi-Q. I know that my brother's prescription (commercial insurance but zero coverage for Auvi-Q) took far longer to fill than my parents (fill with prior auth but prior auth criteria not met?). I suspect there is a very real backlog and that they are prioritizing scrips by how much they get paid: probably permissive insurance billed at full price is first, then cash price people with direct delivery, than commercial insurance with no coverage for Auvi-Q.

April 1st has come meaning most insurers have updated their formularies for the quarter. Express Scripts on my parent's plans already tier 3'd it with prior auth required as of Jan 1st. I have no idea how Kaléo filled the scrip. The PA criteria required that either the patient had a visual or hearing impairment requiring visual/spoken directions from the injector, or a total inability of the patient to self administer and the caretaker having a visual/hearing impairment. My parents met none of those criteria and the allergist did not fill a PA form to insurer. This makes me wonder whether ExpressScripts waived their own criteria for PA or... well, the alternative would be more troubling to consider.

My plan paid, whatever, my brother's obamacare commercial insurance did not and they filled it...after much prodding on the fill date via the phone number. (I think that definitely filtered in).

The end problem is I don't see how this strategy succeeds, between senate/public outrage and the fact that Kaléo will fill on commercial insurance if they don't cover it, there is literally zero incentive for permissive insurance to cover it. The only possible scenario I can think of is if Kaléo has negotiated some massive rebate with the largest PBMs where they can charge plans (e.g. large groups) huge amounts for the drug and then get it back. Large companies aren't stupid though and shenanigans like this would likely result in a threat to switch providers.

The biggest victims are those on government insurance who used to get Auvi-Q for a reasonable price. With the much better branded EpiPen in greater public consciousness I think it's a tough battle to fight for awareness on this. I think Kaléo will eventually change their tune though, I think they're trying to get as much as they can while they can.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on April 03, 2017, 01:09:30 PM
Holy cow, I don't know what happened but we got the Auvi-Qs in the mail today for DD.  I'm in shock, seriously cannot believe it.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on April 03, 2017, 02:34:07 PM
That's great!  I start the process tomorrow to get some for DD.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on April 05, 2017, 04:14:06 PM
My son texted today that his have been delayed until April 21st. They were supposed to come today. Then my friend emailed and said hers arrived today. She ordered after we did. Wth? I may call them tomorrow to see what's going on. DS's epis have expired (as of end of March, or beginning of March--not sure how that works.) I'm not too worried about it, but I think it bothers him that they've expired.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on April 05, 2017, 05:52:58 PM
When I talked to them on the phone, they asked when our epis expired, I didn't know so he put down that they expired in two weeks and gave us an arrival date of 3/31.  They arrived on 4/3.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on April 06, 2017, 02:55:34 PM
So, the process continues with a giggle and smooth sailing (so far)

Allergist can now use escript to send in the prescription, we did not have to fill out any forms.  The company\ny then called me today to reconfirm my address and other details, and to say the escript converts the prescription to epi pens barbecue auvi q is not in the system yet, but...they will call doctor to explain how to change.  My CVS Caremark does not cover it so it will be covered under the affordability program.  I will have 2 refills.  And because they are back logged a bit, we will receive them on May 8th.

Very efficient, very nice, easy, pleasant.  I don't mind waiting!  With refills which we will space out every 30 days, DD will have enough for college.

 :coffee:

Now to see if it really happens as planned.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: MaryM on April 17, 2017, 06:22:14 PM
My allergist sent the script in back in February but I never received a call.  After our appointment today she resent it.  When we got home I had a message so I called back and both kids Auvi-Qs will be shipped soon!  So excited!!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on April 21, 2017, 10:27:26 AM
For those of you who have received the auvi-qs, did you get a shipping notice? DS's are supposed to come today. Or ship today. I'm not sure. This is after 2 delays. We haven't heard anything yet.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on April 21, 2017, 10:50:46 AM
We did not get a shipping notice, they did show up a couple days late due to a snow storm.

I am planning to call in a refill once we get past the 30 days to see how and if it will work seeing as how we shouldn't have gotten the first set.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: MaryM on April 21, 2017, 11:32:40 AM
When I spoke to them on the phone they told me a date and thats when they arrived.  I did not receive any notice.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on April 21, 2017, 01:47:16 PM
They're here!! Woohoo! But I had ordered 2 sets and only got one. Has anyone else gotten 2 sets? I just like an extra set in case he loses them or for a long flight, etc. He normally carries 2, but always has an extra 2 back at his apartment.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on April 21, 2017, 01:58:56 PM
Only one, that's why I can to call for a refill once past 30 days.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on April 21, 2017, 02:15:08 PM
Ok, yeah, that's what ds just told me.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on April 25, 2017, 07:11:15 PM
When I spoke to them on the phone they told me a date and thats when they arrived.  I did not receive any notice.


They don't notify you. All of my family had their prescriptions shipped via UPS Next Day Air Saver.

My general recommendation is that you sign up with each major US courier. You'll know not only when packages from Auvi-Q/Kaleo arrive but also packages generally. All services are free.

UPS MyChoice - Sign up for yourself. Can add other household members/first name variants in preferences.

Fedex Delivery Manager - same as UPS (sign up yourself, add household members under preferences]

My USPS - enrollment allows you to see all packages going to a given address without other steps (e.g. adding household members individually. Even better if you're in a pilot area for Informed Delivery, where you get emailed a digest of the letter sized mail you'll be receiving later in the day (mail sort equipment scans the mail face at the major mail processing center before you before it gets forwarded to the local post office).
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on May 02, 2017, 11:29:12 AM
We are past the 30 days so I called the pharmacy that they came from for a refill and they called me back with a different phone number to call.  Called the number and supposedly the refills will be here on Thursday.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: BensMom on May 02, 2017, 02:43:30 PM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Mr. Barlow on May 02, 2017, 10:18:45 PM
So.  Now that a good number of us are locked and loaded with Auvi what do y'all think?  I freaking love carrying this form again.  Makes the gym so much easier to manage.  Although I want Twinject back that would really make keeping it on me super manageable.  An Emerade would be nice, too.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: GoingNuts on May 03, 2017, 05:53:57 AM
What is an Emerade?
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Mr. Barlow on May 03, 2017, 09:15:07 AM
emerade
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on May 03, 2017, 04:39:51 PM
Twinject was scary!  I suppose it would be all fine and good if you were calm and coherent enough to administer a second dose, but there is no way I could do it on my own.  I can barely manage the automated injection on any device.  I always opted for two EpiPens.  (Though I know a few people who carried two Twinject instead, two for themselves to use if needed, or up to four if a bystander was able to give the syringe dose.)

Emerade is good if you need the longer needle or higher dose, I suppose.  I don't fit into either category but know many who do.  I wonder why it isn't available in Canada.  (I can think of a few reasons, legal stuff and all.). I think it is available in parts of Asia as well - or another similar device is.

Still waiting for Allerject to return to Canada... And trying not to be jealous of all you Americans with Auvi-Qs.  Audio cues and the size... I dream of the day.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on May 05, 2017, 12:21:42 PM
So.  Now that a good number of us are locked and loaded with Auvi what do y'all think?  I freaking love carrying this form again.  Makes the gym so much easier to manage.  Although I want Twinject back that would really make keeping it on me super manageable.  An Emerade would be nice, too.

I'm really happy with the device form factor as I usually carry them in my  pockets during spring/summer/fall. Once the weather cools and I start wearing jackets, I can put them in the inside pockets of jackets. The epis were no fun to carry in pockets, especially as someone with two cell phones (both pockets looked gigantic/overstuffed).

I'm not thrilled on the price charged to my insurer/company though.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: Mr. Barlow on May 09, 2017, 10:54:12 AM
I scaled my smartphone down to a smaller profile, and I'm drumming my fingers waiting for Lightphone to finally make it to the manufacture and distribution phase so I can put my phone an even stricter diet.  It does feel like we're strapped over the barrel on paying for EAI devices.  I get mine for 'free' while your insurance gets hosed?  Then we've got an immense national insurance coverage change looming. 

I haven't seen a single one of the vocal NFP or gurus meaningfully look at allergy or asthma as a preexisting condition under emerging schemes.  I mean why be worried about uninsured people who don't even have the opportunity to be patients when we can incessantly prattle about one more poorly administered anxiety study or softball empowerment articles about elite international leisure travel or recipes, recipes, recipes!

The first time we were diagnosed our allergist was all business.  Her nurse was laser focused on the big ticket items including what we do if we lose insurance coverage.  That allergist took patients without insurance and developed action plans that would help them avoid crushing debt and potential bankruptcy.  The reality is they had patients that could NOT afford reactions, did have an increased objective need to be more avoidant, and had access to only one EAI per year. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on May 09, 2017, 01:44:59 PM
I was told May 8th for our first set.  It arrived today, UPS, in a box, in a silver bubble wrapper with a cold pack!  (it has been in the 50's during the days and 30's at night so the cold pack was not needed but perhaps a standard when they ship?)

DD is going to be thrilled when she gets home from softball!!!!!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on May 16, 2017, 06:16:03 AM
Received in the mail yesterday. Now I can feel no guilt in getting my Auvi-Q fills since the manufacturer will pay for them...

(https://i.imgur.com/F9FDDLF.png)
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on May 16, 2017, 06:02:09 PM
I don't see where it says the manufacturer will pay for them.  Did Auvi-q come out with a new pricing scheme that doesn't really have someone else paying for them?
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: PurpleCat on May 17, 2017, 07:45:43 AM
I did not pay for ours and neither did CVS.  When your private insurance won't cover the cost, you qualify for some program.  I can't explain how they are being paid for, just so happy to have some!
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on May 17, 2017, 10:59:04 AM
Somebody ends up paying for them though.  Sort of like when someone doesn't have health insurance and they go to an emergency room for help.  If they can't pay, who pays?  Everyone else right? 

Somehow, the ability to make them "free" for some people, really means that other people are going to be paying for them.  Again, and I do wonder, if the makers of Auvi-q are actually running a non-profit or don't have to worry about placating investors?  I am assuming they aren't running their business as a charity, so that means they want to make money.  How do they do that if they are giving Auvi-q's away because you mail in a coupon?
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on May 17, 2017, 11:17:21 PM
Kaleo has the overwhelming success of Evzio to serve as the backbone of their form factor autoinjector proliferation.  This should have been noted upthread, and if not this one then it most certainly was in another.  Assume Auvi-q is a loss until or unless they can get it to perform some time in the next year. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on May 18, 2017, 09:17:10 AM
I did not pay for ours and neither did CVS.  When your private insurance won't cover the cost, you qualify for some program.  I can't explain how they are being paid for, just so happy to have some!

When insurers like mine paid $9,000 for two kits (2 kits x 2 injectors per kit) then that pays for a loooot of free fills for those with commercial insurance that won't pay for it.. The problem is that this is a short term strategy that can't last. My insurer refuses to pay for it effective June 2017, so then I get it for free still, but kaléo  pays for it instead. There is essentially zero incentive for insurers to be permissive on Auvi-Q because of the extraordinary cost - if the insurer drops the coverage, the insured still gets it for free from the manufacturer:

Quote from: Auvi-Q
If your commercial insurance does not cover AUVI-Q at all, kaléo will pay the total amount so that you have a $0 out-of-pocket cost.

In the end I think the market will fix itself and when all of the major insurers stop covering Auvi-Q altogether, the price will be something much more sane that insurers are willing to pay.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on May 18, 2017, 11:34:30 AM
Kaleo has the overwhelming success of Evzio to serve as the backbone of their form factor autoinjector proliferation.  This should have been noted upthread, and if not this one then it most certainly was in another.  Assume Auvi-q is a loss until or unless they can get it to perform some time in the next year. 

Again, the cost is passed on to those that need Evzio.  If Evzio is the success, or what is paying for Auvi-q, well, they have done the same thing with it:

https://www.wired.com/2017/02/575-life-saving-drug-jump-4500-blame-perverse-system/

So, one can say that Evzio is paying for Auvi-q.... but in the end, the fact that they took and bumped the Evzio price from something in the hundreds to $4500 ..... means that someone else is paying.  And, that is insurance companies or really, guess who..... us!  Insurance companies will pass on the cost to the consumer. 

What I will say is that Evzio has been marketed and placed into use similarly to the Epi-pen, and because of the design of the device, it has become the preferred means of delivery.  The reality is that using a pricing scheme that essentially just backdoor passes costs on to consumers isn't any better than what Mylan did.  Getting free Auvi-q's isn't really the reality.  It may be "free" for some, but eventually those "some" people will still get stuck but just in an indirect way. 

How many $600 cotton balls do you think a hospital has to charge insurance for to cover their supply of Evzio?  And how many "free" Auvi-q's does it cover?  And whose insurance is paying for the cotton balls?

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on May 18, 2017, 03:59:34 PM
"One" isn't saying that.  One is saying naloxone was heavily subsidized by taxpayer dollars and therefore proliferated as opposed to proliferated mainly through insurance.  God speed and God bless with any argument you have, but do realize mechanics don't necessarily come with indictment or endorsement.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on May 18, 2017, 06:46:26 PM
I guess my real argument, beef, nitpick, gripe, whatever, is that nothing is really free.  Especially when it comes to anything medical in this country.  However, this thread is theoretically about getting free Auvi-q's.  Which I believe is a fallacy.   

Someone pays, and it typically is "us".... taxpayers, people that have insurance, etc.

For me, all of it (sweeping my arm wide) annoys me, and I think that it doesn't make my opinion of the manufacturer of Auvi-q that high when you can look back a year and see what they did with Evzio. 

So, I guess it is just me.  I read this thread and keep wondering if I'm the only one wondering why people keep talking about them being free.  Why it doesn't bother people.... even those receiving these "free" devices.

Whatever though.  I should just stay out of this thread anyway.   :footinmouth:
 

Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on May 18, 2017, 08:23:21 PM
Ya the whole thing bothers me too. We aren't getting them. After the whole Mylan pricing scandal they could've taken a large chunk of the market by being reasonably priced. They went total opposite on that.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: gvmom on May 18, 2017, 09:08:19 PM
Okay, see.... I don't feel so crazy now.  That is all I needed. 

I just need to be able to say, "I know, right?!" to move on. 

So..... momma2boys:

Ya the whole thing bothers me too. We aren't getting them. After the whole Mylan pricing scandal they could've taken a large chunk of the market by being reasonably priced. They went total opposite on that.  

I KNOW!  Right?!

 :bye:
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: momma2boys on May 18, 2017, 09:13:50 PM
I honestly expected an uproar over this after the Mylan ordeal.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on May 19, 2017, 01:06:49 AM
(Deleted) I had a rant written about how this whole thing is messed up, though I wouldn't even know where to point the finger of accusation.  Is Kaleó to blame, or is the American medical and pharmaceutical structure as a whole?  It saddens me at a deep level, where ethics meet the greater society.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on June 20, 2017, 10:23:44 AM
Parents refilled Auvi-Q while ExpressScripts still paid for it. Shipped and arrived within two days of requesting refill.

I'm now getting a new scrip to ASPN (Direct Delivery) and seeing how much they sit on it now that my PBM (Caremark) will not cover Auvi-Q. Bet it takes weeks.

In the meantime, Express Scripts is suing Kaleo (manufacturer of Auvi-Q and Evzio, an autoinjector for opioid overdose).

A lot of the lawsuit is redacted (sensitive info), but Express Scripts is saying that Kaleo had price protection rebates that they paid to Express Scripts (some of which were sent to customers e.g. insurers, and some of which Express Scripts kept for admin overhead). They say from 2014 up until March 2016, Kaleo paid these price protection rebates as they increased the price of Evzio. Then from that point onward, Express Scripts alleges that they invoiced millions to Kaleo for the price protection rebates as agreed, but Kaleo paid them in part rather than in full (breaching the agreement). A lot of the interesting stuff that spells out the exact terms is redacted in full, but basically on February 1st 2016 they quintupled the wholesale acquisition cost of Evzio from a little over $900 to $4500+, and basically immediately stopped paying the price protection rebates thereafter (they paid barely any of the invoiced amount in May 2016, and stopped paying the price protection rebates at all in June 2016).

What the redacted portions block out is the really interesting part - they are likely specific figures and percentages of the rebate scheme. I suspect the rebates are far in excess of what is normal for a brand name medication (where 50% maybe would be normal), allowing the larger PBMs like Expressscripts to get pricing where they deemed the whole thing worth covering, and allowing Kaleo to negotiate less bargain prices with smaller PBMs or just get wholesale reimbursement of the list from permissive insurance plans.

Considering Kaleo only has two products on market, playing fire with one of the biggest PBMs in the US is pretty gutsy - and judging by ES taking Auvi-Q off the formulary, I expect they are twice burned, once shy. I think the price of Auvi-Q will probably drop substantially in the next year, but time will tell.

EDIT: They got the new scrip from my doctor and called back immediately, they confirmed that they can send me one carton (two injectors/two trainers) in two days, and that they are filling it for me for zero out of pocket since my insurer won't pay. I'll update if it's actually done in a timely fashion as I have heard reports of delays (and when it was re-introduced, my brother's prescription filled when his insurer wouldn't pay took almost three weeks, when they filled it immediately for those of us with insurance who would).

EDIT 2: Shipped from a different pharmacy than the first time a day after filling the scrip with direct delivery. Guess the shortages are over for direct delivery, hear anecdotally that Auvi-Q is still very hard to get at retail.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on August 14, 2017, 07:29:13 PM
Well, our luck has run out.  Called in for our 3rd refill of Auvi-Q and the guy on the phone apologized that it was taking forever.  It seemed like it was all good and gave me a delivery date.  He called back later saying that we needed a pre-authorization but that he had put in the paperwork for it so it might take a couple days.  Allergist office called asking why they got a request for a pre-authorization for a prescription that was done back in March.  I explained to the nurse that they had made a mistake and sent us the Auvi-Q on the free program so we were trying to get our third set.  There is really nothing that they can do.  I may try and call back tomorrow and see if what happens.

A real bummer since we are down to one set of Auvi-Q's since DS left them sitting on his desk in the sun for a week.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on October 13, 2017, 09:42:07 PM
They arrived today.  COLD to the touch with a COLD PACK inside the insulated jacket.  I am done with Auvi-Q.  Soup sandwich.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on October 14, 2017, 10:43:21 PM
So long as they didn't freeze they should still be good, according to a Canadian study a few years ago.  Heat is far worse for epinephrine autoinjectors than the cold.  Allerjects/Auvi-Qs are supposed to be water-resistant too.  I would call the company before discarding them. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: name on October 16, 2017, 01:57:37 PM
For how long are they good?  THAT is the question.  One that shouldn't even be the case for a company setting the market price on these at a total of $15,000 for 3 twin packs.  Rescue medication more than half the price of my new low end car should not be something I have to wonder about. 

Calling fulfillment took place long before I posted here.  Lots of shrugging, not terribly convincing any substantial thought was popping on that end.  I would not accept any other piece of equipment for deployment in the field that was handled under conditions clearly contraindicated let alone for a patient, never mind my own kids.  I'm not opening up to debate if I'm done with them.  I AM.  Last time I went a few rounds directly with the head of brand when they were with Sanofi.  Kaleo clearly cannot unfornicate distribution with any durable consistency.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: nyguy on October 17, 2017, 02:56:48 PM
For how long are they good?  THAT is the question.  One that shouldn't even be the case for a company setting the market price on these at a total of $15,000 for 3 twin packs.  Rescue medication more than half the price of my new low end car should not be something I have to wonder about. 

Calling fulfillment took place long before I posted here.  Lots of shrugging, not terribly convincing any substantial thought was popping on that end.  I would not accept any other piece of equipment for deployment in the field that was handled under conditions clearly contraindicated let alone for a patient, never mind my own kids.  I'm not opening up to debate if I'm done with them.  I AM.  Last time I went a few rounds directly with the head of brand when they were with Sanofi.  Kaleo clearly cannot unfornicate distribution with any durable consistency.

I'd complain directly to Kaleo, but as someone who keeps my epinephrine on my person, the size and form factor is really critical to me as I carry it on my person (in a jacket or in my pants pocket) and not in a backpack or separate carrying case.

The ASPN people are not the people who have real action, they just send it out randomly to a network pharmacy. Calling fulfillment is going to get you ASPN, not Kaleo.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: GoingNuts on May 27, 2018, 02:02:41 PM
DS saw his allergist Wednesday AM before heading back up to school.  Allergist wrote him a prescription for AUVI, so he’d have both Epipen and Auvi.  He asked if there were any discount cards, and his allergist said they would ship them directly to him with no copay. He had them by Friday morning. 
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: TwoDDs on May 29, 2018, 08:22:34 AM
Also just got free Auvi's subsequent to allergy appointment.  14yo is thrilled to have them back.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on May 29, 2018, 09:05:25 AM
So bummed that we cannot get anymore of these.  What's the latest theory of how long they are good for?  I think DS's set expire this month.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: spacecanada on May 29, 2018, 09:18:49 AM
Istudies have shown that epinephrine autoinjectors are good for up to four years, with something like 80% potency, but I would never let a primary device expire.

Someone in my local allergy group is in contact with Kaléo and in discussions about bringing them back to Canada.  Apparently the $300/device cost is too high for insurance companies here to cover.  (That is the cost she mentioned, in Canada.). The new robotic manufacturing method has made these much more expensive to make.  So she is building a case from local families to bring to Kaléo showing demand here... But I doubt many people will pay $600 per set, when people already complain that $100 is too much for one EpiPen, and many people here still don't carry two.  Me, I'd pay the $600 for infinitely more comfortable devices when training every day - seriously.  Allerject fit in all my pockets, EpiPens fit in NONE, not even my cycling jersey, and waist pouches are starting to injure my back when running long distances. 

This link may be helpful here with regards to temperature:
https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/researchers-review-effects-of-heat-cold-on-epinephrine
Yes, yes... I know the source, but it's a good article.
Title: Re: Auvi-Q relaunch
Post by: hezzier on May 29, 2018, 10:01:30 AM
Well, he has a set of epi pens at school as a back up so he would only carry the auvi’s to school.  If he was going anywhere else he would need to carry a set of epis, which we have plenty of.  Finding a pair of pants or shorts that fit epis in the pocket is nearly impossible.  Once he gets to HS, they carry their backpacks everywhere.  Most kids don’t use the lockers because the building is so spread out that it’s not convenient to use them.  So we just have one more school year to get through.