A two-pack of EpiPens has gone from $100 in 2009 to more than $600 now.
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“It’s a lot less than the states”, one pharmacist said.
The EpiPen manufacturer, Mylan, says the health care system is to blame for the price increase and has promised to provide an instant saving card worth 300 dollars to patients who face high out-of-pocket costs.
Mylan NV has promised to reduce the costs that some patients pay for the treatment by “doubling eligibility” for its EpiPen patient assistance programme, which subsidises the cost of the drugs for low-income patients. That would cut the bill in half for patients who have to pay full price.
It’s a very emotional subject for McCain, whose 9-year-old son, Danny, must have several EpiPens available at school, at home and with relatives.
Mr. Blumenthal has called for congressional investigations and asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into whether the company has engaged in unfair trade practices.
EpiPens, which have little competition, are used in emergencies to treat severe allergies to insect bites and foods like nuts and eggs that can lead to anaphylactic shock. But EpiPen, introduced in 1987, is so well known that most doctors prescribe it without considering an alternative.
Mylan just injected some adrenaline into the US healthcare debate.
Clinton’s comments came after a bipartisan group of lawmakers called for investigations into the price increase of EpiPens, which are preloaded injections of epinephrine (adrenaline) that people use if they are having a risky allergic reaction that could result in death, if untreated. At least a $500 savings over the cheapest US options. Many other drugmakers also routinely raise prices of their prescription drugs by 10 percent or more each year, and US legislation is needed to prevent such “price spikes”, he added.
In many ways 9-year-old Kendall and 11-year-old Kamryn are your typical kids. “This current and ongoing shift has presented new challenges for consumers, and now they are bearing more of the cost” of the devices, the statement said.
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Manchin said he shares concerns about “the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs”.
