The maker of the Epipen, used to halt a severe allergic reaction, says it will make the drug more affordable. Mylan raised the price of a two-pack of Epipens from $100 in 2009 to its current price of about $600. The company now says it will provide instant saving cards worth $300 to patients who face high costs.
But a local allergist says, many patients, those on government insurance such as Medicaid or Medicare can’t legally use those coupons. He’s afraid many patients just won’t get their medication.
At Central Pa. Asthma and Allergy Care, Dr. Jeffrey Rosch says, “they’ve got to have their epinephrine. They have got to use it immediately, right away, and there’s no place for delay. There’s no time, people die.”
Dr. Rosch says the drug company should reduce the price of Epipens, insurance companies in Pennsylvania should eliminate co-pays, and pharmacies should accept a lower price for the drugs.
According to Dr. Rosch, 1500 Americans die or nearly die every year from severe allergic reactions.
