Recently, pharmaceutical company Mylan significantly increased the price of the EpiPen by over 400%. As a result, individuals are facing copays of $250 for a single device, while those without insurance may be looking at costs exceeding $500. This financial burden is leaving many people vulnerable to life-threatening anaphylaxis, a situation that is truly alarming.
Only a parent of a child with severe allergies can truly comprehend the fear involved. When my daughter, Lily, was just two years old, she was stung by a bee during a playdate. Within minutes, I noticed her skin becoming itchy and spotted. By the time we returned home, her body had swelled to the point where she struggled to open her eyes.
On our way to the emergency room, Lily went into shock and was close to requiring intubation. She endured a week of steroids — a challenging experience for both of us — in addition to the Benadryl administered at the hospital, which managed her reaction. That terrifying episode concluded with a prescription for an EpiPen.
The EpiPen functions by delivering epinephrine, a medication that constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure, relaxes lung muscles to alleviate wheezing, stimulates the heart, and helps reduce hives and swelling around the face and lips. However, the EpiPen is only a temporary measure. After using it, Lily still needs to go to the hospital to ensure that we have effectively managed the anaphylaxis, which can, in severe cases, be fatal.
We keep two EpiPens on hand — one for immediate use and a backup in case the first one fails. While Lily understands the importance of avoiding potential allergens, accidents can still happen. In the event of a sting, I have to quickly retrieve the EpiPen from its pouch, uncap it, and administer the injection into her thigh, all while reassuring her despite her fear of needles. An EpiPen can delay the onset of anaphylaxis, which can cause hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling that complicates airflow. The grave risk is that the airway may close entirely, leading to suffocation.
Mylan has defended the price increases by stating that they reflect the product’s value and the investments made in its development. However, many contend that the cost of producing epinephrine does not justify such drastic price hikes. Reports indicate that the price for a two-pack of EpiPens has skyrocketed from around $100 in 1999 to over $600 today. Additionally, Mylan’s main competitor, Auvi-Q, faced a recall last year, leaving Mylan with a dominant position in the market for portable epinephrine delivery.
The harsh reality is that numerous families can no longer afford EpiPens, which must be replaced annually. This may lead parents to use expired EpiPens, compromising their effectiveness. Given that approximately 1 in 50 Americans suffer from severe allergies, primarily from insect stings and food allergies, this situation poses a significant public health concern.
It is hoped that other companies will introduce new alternatives to the EpiPen or that the recall of Auvi-Q will be resolved. Until then, access to anaphylactic protection remains a luxury that many cannot afford. The thought of a child being stung or accidentally consuming an allergen is enough to instill dread in countless parents.
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Summary
The rising cost of EpiPens has made this crucial medical device unaffordable for many families, increasing their risk of severe allergic reactions. With the price of EpiPens skyrocketing and limited alternatives available, parents of allergic children face significant anxiety and danger regarding their children’s health.
Keyphrase: EpiPen affordability crisis
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