In a shocking move, pharmaceutical company Mylan increased the price of the EpiPen by over 400%. Friends of mine have shared on social media that they now face a copay of $250 for a single EpiPen, while NBC News reports the out-of-pocket cost can reach as high as $500 without insurance. This steep price tag leaves many individuals vulnerable to life-threatening anaphylaxis, a situation that is nothing short of alarming.
Only a parent of a child with severe allergies can truly grasp the fear that accompanies such a situation. When my daughter turned two, she was stung by a bee during a playdate. Her skin began to itch, and within minutes, hives erupted all over her body. By the time we got home, I could barely recognize her; her face was so swollen that her eyes barely opened.
On our rushed trip to the hospital, she went into shock and was almost intubated. A week of steroids followed, which was quite a sight with a two-year-old! Thankfully, the Benadryl administered at the hospital halted the allergic reaction, but we walked away with a prescription for an EpiPen.
The EpiPen is designed to be a lifesaver: if my daughter were to accidentally get stung again, I would quickly retrieve the EpiPen from its special pouch. After unsealing it, I would hold her still—she’s not fond of needles—and inject it into her thigh through her clothing, counting to ten before removing it. According to Mylan, the epinephrine works by tightening blood vessels to boost blood pressure, relaxing the lungs to aid breathing, and addressing swelling and hives. However, this is just the first step; we would still need to head to the hospital to ensure that the anaphylactic reaction has been fully managed, as it poses a serious risk of fatality.
We always keep two EpiPens at hand—one for immediate use and a backup just in case. My daughter carries them everywhere, or rather, I do. An EpiPen can temporarily halt anaphylactic shock, which can cause hives, troubled breathing, and swelling of the tongue and lips. This can lead to a closure of the airway, which is life-threatening. Given that approximately 1 in 50 Americans suffers from severe allergies, including insect stings and nut allergies, this is no small concern.
Mylan asserted that the price increase reflects the value of the product and their investment in its development. However, critics point out that the basic production cost of epinephrine does not justify such an exorbitant price hike. The Huffington Post notes that the price of a two-pack has soared from $100 in 1999 to over $600 today. Meanwhile, Mylan’s competitor, Auvi-Q, faced a full recall last year, leaving Mylan with an unchallenged grip on the market for portable epinephrine.
For many families, affording EpiPens has become untenable, leading some to use expired ones, risking ineffective treatment during emergencies. The prospect of a child encountering an allergen has become a source of dread for many parents.
Let’s hope that new competitors emerge in the epinephrine market, or that Auvi-Q returns to shelves, providing families with more affordable options. Until then, the ability to protect against anaphylaxis remains an expensive luxury that many simply cannot afford. This is a distressing thought for any parent.
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Summary
The steep increase in EpiPen prices by Mylan has left many families unable to afford this essential life-saving device, putting children with severe allergies at risk. The article discusses personal experiences with anaphylaxis and highlights the urgent need for affordable alternatives in the epinephrine market.