The EpiPen Controversy
@nanette64 (20364)
Fairfield, Texas
August 23, 2016 10:38am CST
Children who have serious allergies to bee stings, tree nuts, mushrooms and other allergens carry the EpiPen, which contains epinephrine. This medication can be a life-saving drug that reverses swelling and closing of the airways.
Imagine the shock of parents when they go to the pharmacy and have to pay upwards of $700 for a 2-pen package. Now mind you, this drug is not some kind of new medication on the market and in 2007, the set cost $100; which in my opinion, is ridiculous. This is a price increase of 400%.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals blames it on the higher deductibles of insurance plans. Well no, they're just a greedy bunch of buzzards. Doctors advise that patients should carry a 2-pen pack and have extras on hand. The EpiPen expires usually after 1 year, so at the latest cost, it's not only dangerous for the child not have it, but the cost is debilitating to parents.
Washington lawmakers have called on the State Judiciary Committee and the Federal Trade Commission to look into this matter and a petition to Congress has been submitted with more than 48,000 signatures to have this price gouging investigated.
As usual, all the pharmaceutical companies care about is the bottom dollar.
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10 people like this
6 responses
@purrfect1969 (510)
• United States
23 Aug 16
Totally agree. I am allergic to bees. I have to carry an epi pen. When I first got the allergy, there was another generic version on the market. It was so much cheaper. It has disappeared and now the epi pen is the only alternative. Luckily, I have not been stung by a bee and years. Therefore, I have only had to buy one prescription per year. I am hoping I will get buy with it this year, as well.
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
23 Aug 16
I hope you'll be okay too @purrfect1969 . When I was 54, I worked for a rancher and was stung by over 100 bees. Fortunately all that happened is that I was violently vomiting for 7 straight hours. They got me in my head, face, neck, chest and back. I don't know if that makes me allergic to them or not. I have been stung by wasps since then and nothing happened.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21852)
• Canada
26 Aug 16
I am outraged. I will have to ask my daughter how much she pays for hers (bee allergy) here in Canada. I think its an ugly money grab at the cost of health for so many.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
27 Aug 16
If Canada has National Health Care, she may not have to pay a lot like we do in the states @PainsOnSlate .
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21852)
• Canada
27 Aug 16
@nanette64 I'll ask her, prescriptions are expensive here until you get to 65, then they become very reasonable. Our health care is great and free...not meds...
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
23 Aug 16
That's an outrageous charge, one that a lot of people would struggle to pay. I'm so happy to live in England where if you need it, you get it.
There is a charge for each prescription of about $10, (your money), but that charge is waived if you are poor, disabled or aged.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
24 Aug 16
It's no wonder people cross the border to Mexico to get their meds @jaboUK . The UK, Canada and Switzerland have the right idea about health care.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
24 Aug 16
Boy ain't that the truth @JudyEv . The sad part is most people can do without the car or lawyer, but they sure can't do without the meds.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340118)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Aug 16
@nanette64 That's true. I hadn't actually thought of that.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
24 Aug 16
I think their purpose is to make us all 'walking zombies' @Dena91 .
1 person likes this
