In recent weeks, parents of children with allergies have been shaken by the jaw-dropping news that EpiPens, produced by the profit-driven pharmaceutical giant Mylan, are set to skyrocket in price. The cost for a two-pack of these auto-injectors will leap to a staggering $608, up from $425 just last year. This alarming price hike has sparked outrage and concern within the allergy community, prompting discussions about necessary reforms in drug pricing. Many families are now struggling to provide essential, life-saving medication for their children while juggling tight budgets.
However, there’s an innovative solution from a doctor in Ohio that could save families a ton of cash, and it costs less than $10. Yes, you heard that right—less than $10!
Dr. Emma Thompson’s Solution
Dr. Emma Thompson, an Emergency Medicine Physician at Riverside Medical Center in Ohio, wants parents to know that there’s a far more economical way to provide epinephrine for anyone experiencing anaphylactic shock. You just need a $6 multi-dose vial of epinephrine, a syringe, and an Altoids tin. “The sudden spike in price is alarming because I worry about families choosing between life-saving medication and basic necessities,” Dr. Thompson told ABC News. “I bought this vial for $5.89 out of pocket, no insurance needed.”
The active ingredient in Mylan’s EpiPen is simply epinephrine—nothing fancy, just life-saving medicine that can be prescribed in multi-dose vials like insulin for diabetics. Doctors can prescribe these vials and syringes to those at risk of severe allergic reactions. Parents and caregivers can be trained to draw the correct dose of epinephrine based on the patient’s weight and administer it using a syringe. The syringe, epinephrine vial, and an alcohol swab can be neatly stored in an Altoids tin for easy access during emergencies.
Why This Matters
This simple solution makes it frustratingly clear how Mylan is getting away with what feels like highway robbery. Parents can keep a preloaded syringe in a safe spot (or in that Altoids tin) and deliver the medication just as quickly, if not faster, than with an EpiPen. Since parents are already prepared to give their child an injection with the EpiPen, transitioning to a syringe is a minor adjustment. For just $10, many parents would be more than willing to learn this method. If you find yourself in this situation, consulting with your healthcare provider to see if this is a feasible option is definitely worth considering.
Most schools have trained nurses who can administer injections, and it’s well within their scope of practice to do so with a physician’s order. School nurses routinely give insulin injections, so switching to multi-dose vials for emergency kits on field trips could save school districts thousands of dollars—money that could be better spent on books and supplies for students.
A Call to Action
Kudos to Dr. Thompson for not only helping parents save a fortune but also giving Mylan the proverbial middle finger they so richly deserve. Mylan has announced plans to introduce a generic version of their EpiPen, but even that will still cost a whopping $300 for a two-pack—far more than the $6 multi-dose vial available. This highlights the fact that this life-saving medication need not be so pricey.
So, Mylan, take a step back and reevaluate your pricing.
For further insights into alternative options for home insemination, check out this informative post. Interested in more about artificial insemination methods? Visit Make a Mom for a comprehensive guide. And for those looking into various treatments for pregnancy, this WebMD resource is a must-see!
Conclusion
In summary, families burdened by the soaring costs of EpiPens can find relief in using inexpensive multi-dose vials of epinephrine, which can be administered with a syringe. This alternative not only saves money but also empowers parents to provide immediate care in emergencies.