JACKSON, MISS– The pharmaceutical company Mylan has been under fire for the price increase of the EpiPen, which over time has increased from $100 for a pack of two to nearly $700.
Complaints have come in nationwide regarding the price because for many, it has changed their access to the lifesaving dosage of epinephrine, which is used when a person experiences anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is triggered by exposure to allergens, ranging from food to insect bites, said Dr. Daniel Vanarske of Mississippi Asthma and Allergy Clinic.
“It can include hives..swelling of the nose, face, throat.. nausea and vomiting,” said Vanarske.
The autoinjector is made to deliver a dose of epinephrine into the thigh muscle, aiding in the restriction of blood vessels to relax the lungs and reduce wheezing and constriction of the airways.
Without it, anaphylaxis can cause death.
“The number one cause of death related to anaphylaxis is lack of access to epinephrine,” the doctor added.
The price of Epipens has increased dramatically since 2009. Outcry from the public has pushed the manufacturer of the drug to offer financial assistance and introduce a generic form of the medication.
