In a shocking move this week, pharmaceutical giant Mylan increased the price of the EpiPen by over 400%. Friends on social media are reporting that they now face copays of around $250 for a single pen, while NBC News indicates that the price can soar to over $500 without insurance. The rising costs leave many families unable to afford this essential medication, putting them at a greater risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This situation is deeply concerning.
Only a parent of a child with severe allergies can truly grasp the fear that accompanies this reality. I remember when my son, Alex, was just two years old; he was stung by a bee at a playdate. Within minutes, he started itching, and by the time we got home, his entire body was swollen, his eyes barely open. It was terrifying. On the way to the hospital, he went into shock and was nearly intubated. After a week on steroids—imagine a toddler on steroids, right?—and a dose of Benadryl to halt the reaction, we were left with a prescription for an EpiPen.
The EpiPen is designed to counteract severe allergic reactions. Although Alex is now aware of his triggers, there’s always a chance he could accidentally get stung again. In such a scenario, I would need to quickly pull out the EpiPen from the pouch we carry everywhere. With a heart full of anxiety, I would have to pin him down and administer the injection into his thigh, counting to ten while he cries in fear of needles.
According to Mylan, the epinephrine in the EpiPen works by constricting blood vessels to raise blood pressure, relaxing lung muscles to ease breathing, and reducing hives and swelling. However, that’s just the first step; we still need to rush to the hospital to ensure that the anaphylactic shock is fully addressed, as it can be deadly.
We keep two EpiPens on hand—one for immediate use and a backup just in case. These pens must be carried at all times, as anaphylaxis can lead to hives, difficulty breathing, and severe swelling that can obstruct the airway. It’s a life-threatening condition, and without immediate access to an EpiPen, the outcome can be tragic.
Mylan has defended the price hikes, claiming they reflect the “value” and “investment” made in the product. But many argue that the minimal production costs of epinephrine do not justify such exorbitant increases. Reports indicate that the price for a pack of two pens has skyrocketed from $100 in 1999 to over $600 today. Moreover, with Mylan’s main competitor, Auvi-Q, having issued a recall, Mylan holds a monopolistic grip on the market.
Many parents are now faced with the grim reality of not being able to afford EpiPens, which need to be replaced annually. This has led some to use expired pens, risking ineffective doses. Approximately 1 in 50 Americans experiences anaphylactic reactions, with common triggers including insect stings and peanuts. This rise in cost poses a significant health threat.
We can only hope that other companies enter the market, as discussed in our other blog post here, to offer more affordable alternatives for epinephrine delivery. Until then, access to an EpiPen is a luxury that many can’t afford, leaving parents like me anxious about our children’s safety. It’s a terrifying thought to consider what could happen if they accidentally encounter allergens.
In conclusion, the high cost of EpiPens raises serious concerns about access to life-saving medications. The current situation is unsustainable, and many families are left to navigate the risks without the necessary safety net in place.
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