According to the "Anaphylaxis in America" project held by Robert A. Wood, MD of Johns Hopkins Children Center, 8 percent of America's population has experienced an anaphylactic reaction due to an allergy. In the case of this type of reaction, breathing stops, hives form, and blood pressure severely drops. This is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate medical attention through the use of an EpiPen and a trip to the ER. EpiPens provide an injection of epinephrine to the person affected by the allergy. This dose of medicine allows more time for the patient to receive necessary medical care. Without this, many people wouldn't make it to the emergency room in time and the mortality rates due to allergic reactions would be much higher.
Currently, the company Mylan which owns EpiPen has a monopoly over the industry. Since the Auvi-Q epinephrine auto-injector was recalled there are no other prominent competitors to the EpiPen. As a result of the monopoly, prices for these life-saving devices skyrocketed. The price for a two pack was $100 in 2009, and has risen to over $600 this year. This is an increase of 500% in just seven years.
The most outrageous thing about this rise in price is that EpiPens cost a mere few dollars to manufacture. Anna Almendrala of Huffington Post stated that no money went towards research or bettering of the product, so this can't be a reason for the price spike. There have been recent no changes to the product. This means the increase in cost is simply due to greed.
Mylan is currently the only manufacturer of reliable epinephrine injectors, which is why they were able to raise the prices this much. This also means that virtually all those with life-threatening allergies rely on them to provide their crucial medication. Many families have multiple members with severe allergies and need to purchase multiple EpiPens. Two prescriptions can add up to $1,051.46 which is an incredibly high amount, and this is only for two. It is heartbreaking to hear that families are left stranded without the means to obtain their life-saving medication due to someone else's greed.
It is astounding that people have valued their own wealth over the lives of others. Thousands of Americans need the company's life-saving medication, and many can no longer have it. Mylar knew exactly what the repercussions of the astronomical price raise, yet still chose greed over human lives.
