In recent months, parents of children with allergies have been shaken by the alarming price hike of EpiPens, produced by the profit-driven pharmaceutical giant Mylan. The cost for a two-pack of this crucial auto-injector has surged from $425 to an eye-watering $608. This staggering increase has ignited anger and concern within the allergy community, prompting discussions among lawmakers about the need for reform in drug pricing. Many families now find themselves struggling to afford essential medication for their children while managing tight budgets.
However, a savvy doctor from Ohio has discovered a practical and significantly cheaper alternative to Mylan’s exorbitant pricing. Dr. Sarah Jenkins, an Emergency Medicine Physician at a local hospital, wants parents to know that it’s possible to provide epinephrine for less than ten dollars. Yes, you heard that right—less than ten dollars!
Dr. Jenkins emphasizes the urgency of this issue, stating, “The recent price increase is frightening because it forces parents to make a heartbreaking choice between keeping a life-saving device on hand and managing everyday expenses.” She reveals that she purchased a multi-dose vial of epinephrine for just $6, no insurance needed.
The active ingredient in Mylan’s EpiPen is simply epinephrine—nothing more. This medication can be prescribed in multi-dose vials, similar to how insulin is provided for diabetic patients. Doctors can write prescriptions for these vials and syringes, allowing parents to learn how to draw the correct dose based on their child’s weight and administer it with a syringe. The entire setup can be conveniently stored in an Altoids tin, ready for emergencies.
This straightforward approach is frustratingly simple, especially when considering the outrageous prices Mylan charges. Parents can prepare a preloaded syringe in a safe spot (or the Altoids tin) and deliver the medication just as quickly, if not quicker, than with the EpiPen. Many parents would be eager to learn this method for just $10. If you find yourself in a similar situation, discussing this option with your healthcare provider could be invaluable.
Most schools employ registered nurses or licensed practical nurses trained to administer shots, and it falls within their responsibilities to do so with a doctor’s order. School nurses routinely give insulin injections to diabetic students using similar syringes. Switching to multi-dose vials for emergency kits could save school districts thousands of dollars annually—funds that could be redirected toward educational resources for students.
Kudos to Dr. Jenkins for not only providing a cost-effective solution for allergy-stricken families but also for highlighting Mylan’s exploitative pricing practices. While Mylan has announced plans to introduce a generic version of the EpiPen, it will still cost a staggering $300 for a two-pack—far more than the $6 vial option. This situation underscores a critical point: life-saving medications should not come with exorbitant price tags.
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In summary, the steep rise in EpiPen prices has left many families in a tough spot, but a simple solution exists that is both affordable and effective. With the right guidance, parents can learn to administer life-saving epinephrine without breaking the bank.
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