What’s Inside:
- EpiPens are covered by OHIP — with a prescription and documentation from your doctor confirming it’s a diagnosed allergy.
- Neffy is a new needle-free alternative — At $400 for a two-pack you get to administer epinephrine via nasal spray.
- The right choice depends on the child — EpiPens allow multiple injection sites and more room for error, which may matter more for a panicking or squirming child, while Neffy avoids needles but requires precise administration.
Is your child going to school this fall with a documented allergy?
If it’s not your first rodeo, I’m guessing you’ve already prepped their care plan and confirmed their EpiPen hasn’t expired.
For first-timers, you’ll need to notify the school about your child’s care plan under Sabrina’s Law.
And if that wasn’t complicated enough, you may be wondering if it’s time to switch to a needle-free option, or stick with what you know best.
What is an EpiPen and How Does It Work?
Let’s start with the basics.
An EpiPen is a single-use auto-injector delivered into the side of the thigh.
It releases a dose of epinephrine, quickly calms the histamine cascade closing your airway.
A quick shot buys the time you need to get to the ER.
That’s why we recommend carrying two if it’s going to be a long trip — symptoms can return before you get help.
EpiPens come in two strengths: a lower dose (EpiPen Jr.) for children weighing 15 to 30 kilograms, and a standard dose for everyone else. Devices typically expire 12 to 14 months after being dispensed.
But if an expired pen is all you’ve got on hand in an emergency, it’s better than no dose at all.
Check the small window on the device; if the liquid is clear, it should still be safe to use.
And proper storage matters: don’t freeze your EpiPen or leave is somewhere hot, like your car in summer.
What Does an EpiPen Cost and Is It Covered by OHIP?
You can get an EpiPens for roughly $110 and purchase it without a prescription.
With a prescription and the right documentation — meaning a form completed by a physician confirming a diagnosed allergy — your EpiPen will be fully covered if you have a valid Ontario health card.
You can safely buy an EpiPen only at a pharmacy. With anything you find online, you run the risk of getting a counterfeit product.
EpiPen vs. Neffy — How to Choose the Right Option
For the needle-phobic, another option is available.
Approved by Health Canada earlier this year, Neffy is the nasal spray version of epinephrine.
You absorb it through your nasal membranes and the medication hits your bloodstream in minutes — no injection required.
For situations where someone’s fear of needles might delay treatment, that’s a meaningful advantage.
But you need to consider the trade-offs.
Neffy offers one chance to deliver the dose per device. If the first attempt doesn’t go in, you can’t reposition and try again.
That matters if you’re dealing with someone who may be panicking.
With an EpiPen, you can inject a dose into multiple sites on the thigh, giving you more room for error.
And cost is another consideration: Neffy runs about $400 for a two-pack, but its longer shelf life may offset some of that difference over time.
Right now, Neffy isn’t listed for government coverage, and your child’s school may still need some time to train their staff on how to use it.
What Your Pharmacist Can Do
If you’re weighing EpiPen against Neffy for your child, ask your pharmacist to walk you through both options — including how each device works, what’s covered under your provincial or private drug plan, and which might be best for your child.
FAQ
Do EpiPens expire, and can I still use one that’s expired?
Yes, EpiPens typically expire 12–14 months after dispensing. If the liquid visible in the window is still clear, it should be safe to use — and using an expired EpiPen is better than not using one at all in an emergency.
Are EpiPens covered by OHIP?
Yes, with the right documentation. You need a prescription and a doctor-completed form confirming a documented allergy. With that paperwork and a valid Ontario health card, the cost is covered regardless of age. Without a prescription, they can still be purchased directly for about $110.
What’s the difference between an EpiPen and Neffy?
An EpiPen is an auto-injector delivered into the thigh; Neffy is a needle-free nasal spray that works similarly to naloxone, absorbing through the nasal membranes.
Neffy costs around $400 for a two-pack, doesn’t require an injection, but only delivers one dose per device with no second try if the first attempt doesn’t go in correctly.
Can I buy an EpiPen online or elsewhere besides a pharmacy?
No — pharmacies are the only known supply chain, and purchasing one through an unofficial source like an online marketplace carries a risk of getting a counterfeit product.
Should I choose an EpiPen or Neffy for my child?
It depends on the likely reaction. EpiPens offer multiple injection sites and less room for error, which may matter more with a panicking or squirming child.
Neffy avoids needles but requires precise, one-shot nasal administration. Since EpiPens are OHIP-covered and cost is often a deciding factor, some families may choose to have both.
Stop by The Medicine Shoppe in Kitchener and ask Bryan or Alysse to walk you through both options before school starts.