Los Angeles Allergist

Los Angeles Allergist

Alan Khadavi, MD, APC
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Khadavi
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Your First Visit
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Allergy and Asthma Info
    • Asthma Info
    • Allergic Rhinitis
    • Allergic Triggers
  • Blog
  • Media
  • Contact Us

9001 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 204
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 310-282-8822

16260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 140
Encino, CA 91436
Phone: 818-528-7776

August 23, 2016 by Alan Khadavi

Why is the Epipen Price so High?

The Epipen price has sparked an outrage among consumers and lawmakers who worry that parents won’t be able to afford them for children heading back to school.  It is used for those who suffer from life threatening reactions to bee stings, peanuts and other allergens.

In 2007, the price for a two-pen set was less than $100.  Mylan pharmaceuticals purchased this decade old product that year and has steadily raised the Epipen price.  In July 2013 it was $264, in May 2015 it was $461, then this May 2016 the price spiked to $608 according to a drug database site.

It is advised to carry 2 Epipens in case of severe allergic reactions and most need to be replaced yearly depending on the expiration date.

Mylan offers a $100 coupon for patients but because of high-deductible health plans, consumers now are forced to foot the rest of the bill for it.  People without insurance also end up paying more than $600 a set.  Even with good insurance, patients copayments are as much as four times higher than the past.

Also because Epipens may expire after a year, patients have to buy another two-pack set every year.  For more information on the expiration of Epipens, please read the attached blog.

Does an expired Epipen work?

The price hike of Epipens has caught the attention of lawmakers.  The FTC and Senate Judiciary Committee have been asked to review whether the price hikes violate any anti-competition rules.  Last year, the major competitor, Auvi-Q, recalled their product because it may not have been delivering the correct amount of epinephrine, leaving Epipen as the primary emergency treatment option.

A petition to Congress protesting the Epipen price called “Stop the Epipen Price Gouging” has collected over 50,000 signatures on social media.

Mylan does offer free Epipens to schools who stock them.  Here in California, a law was passed mandating schools to have them.

In the meantime, consumers are having difficulty paying for them and are taking the chance and holding on to expired Epipens.

Always speak to your doctor regarding options if you can not fill the prescription for your Epipen.

Auvi-Q Recall

New law mandates epinephrine in California schools

Update August 25th 2016: Mylan announced they will be giving $300 coupons now instead of the $100 ones.  To clarify they have not lowered the price on the Epipens, they are giving a larger coupon now.

Filed Under: Allergy Medicine, Anaphylaxis, Blog

alan-khadavi
Dr. Alan Khadavi
Allergy & Asthma Specialist

Latest Posts

September 22, 2023

How to treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

eosinophilic esophagitis treatment

September 14, 2023

Barley Allergy: Diagnosis and Management

barley allergy

September 11, 2023

Can the Covid Vaccine cause Hives?

covid vaccine and hives

August 30, 2023

Hops Allergy: Etiology, Presentation & Management

hops allergy

August 29, 2023

Dupixent for COPD, a new indication

dupixent for copd

August 10, 2023

Is Singulair Safe to Use? A study of Montelukast

Is Singulair safe?

July 24, 2023

Why am I so Itchy? Management of Chronic Itch

chronic itch

July 19, 2023

Potato Allergy: Can I be allergic to Potatoes?

potato allergy

July 18, 2023

Blueberry Allergy, can I be allergic to it?

blueberry allergy

June 30, 2023

Coffee Allergy: Can you be allergic to it?

coffee allergy

Read More Posts...

Follow Us…

© 2023 Allergy Los Angeles. All Rights Reserved · Log in · Return to top of page