In light of the recent price hike for EpiPens manufactured by the profit-driven pharmaceutical company Mylan, many families are understandably distressed. The cost of a two-pack of EpiPens has surged to an astonishing $608, up from $425 last year, leaving parents of allergy-prone children in a dire financial situation. In response to this crisis, Dr. Emily Carter, an Emergency Medicine Physician at Riverbend Medical Center in Ohio, has proposed a remarkably inexpensive solution that costs less than $10.
Dr. Carter emphasizes that there is a more affordable way to access life-saving epinephrine. By purchasing a $6 multi-dose vial of epinephrine, along with a syringe and an Altoids tin for storage, families can equip themselves for emergencies at a fraction of the cost. “The dramatic increase in EpiPen prices is concerning because it forces parents to make difficult choices between essential medical care and everyday living expenses,” she explains to reporters. “I bought my vial for just $6.89, with no need for insurance.”
The medication contained in Mylan’s EpiPen is simply epinephrine, which can also be obtained in multi-dose vials similarly to insulin for diabetic patients. Physicians can prescribe these vials along with syringes, allowing parents to learn how to correctly draw and administer the right dosage based on their child’s weight. This straightforward kit can be easily stored in an Altoids tin, making it accessible in emergencies.
Dr. Carter’s approach offers a practical alternative, enabling parents to administer epinephrine as swiftly as with an EpiPen. Given that many parents are already trained to inject their children using EpiPens, transitioning to a syringe should not be overly complicated. For around $10, many parents may find this option appealing and should consult their healthcare providers for guidance.
Furthermore, school nurses are capable of administering injections and could easily manage epinephrine with a doctor’s order. Switching to multi-dose vials could save school districts significant amounts of money, which could be redirected toward educational resources.
While Mylan has announced a generic version of the EpiPen, it will still cost about $300 for a two-pack—far more than the $6 vial option. Dr. Carter’s advocacy highlights the alarming disparity in medication pricing, reminding us that essential treatments do not have to be exorbitantly priced.
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In summary, with a simple vial and syringe, families can bypass the exorbitant prices set by companies like Mylan, ensuring that life-saving medication remains accessible. This not only empowers parents but also urges a critical reevaluation of pharmaceutical pricing practices.