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Cost of life-saving EpiPen up 400 percent; Experts say it's still worth the purchase


In a statement, Mylan, the manufacturer said they've made a significant investment to support the device over the past few years and said the price change reflects the value and important features of their product. You can access EpiPen coupons by going to their website, www.epipen.com.
In a statement, Mylan, the manufacturer said they've made a significant investment to support the device over the past few years and said the price change reflects the value and important features of their product. You can access EpiPen coupons by going to their website, www.epipen.com.
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If you have severe allergic reactions—you can't live without your EpiPen. But the cost of the lifesaving medication has gone up 400 percent, and it’s leaving those at risk with tough decision.

According to pharmacists, an EpiPen now costs around $600 for a pack of two. In 2009, it was $100. But, physicians warn against sticker shock.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in 50 Americas are at risk for anaphylaxis every year, which means access to epinephrine is critical.

“It’s an absolutely critical medicine to have available, because it can save someone’s life and I’ve seen it save people’s lives,” said Dr. Bruce Ball, allergist and immunologist with Charleston Allergy and Asthma, affiliated with Roper St. Francis.

Dr. Ball said EpiPen is a popular request, especially when kids are headed back to school. He said many of his patients are reporting higher costs.

“For most people who have commercial insurance, the coupons will help them significantly,” he said. “But if you have a very high-deductible, insurance companies often make you go through your deductible first.”

It’s an expensive device with a $1.00 drug inside. Ball said there’s no other option currently on the market and added there’s only one generic option, which costs roughly the same price.

“There isn’t a substitute by taking an antihistamine if it’s a dangerous reaction, you have to have epinephrine available,” he said. “Our hope is they don’t use it, kind of like, I hope I don’t use my fire insurance and I have it and I pay for it every year.”

He said there are coupons to help lower costs and encourages people to have a full allergy evaluation before diving into their wallet.

“We see some people who have been diagnosed via lab tests that they might be allergic and therefore prescribed medicines that is very expensive,” Ball said. “So, if you’re unsure and you’ve not had a careful evaluation then that would be smart, to see if you need to spend that kind of money every year.”

In a statement, Mylan, the manufacturer said they've made a significant investment to support the device over the past few years and said the price change reflects the value and important features of their product.

You can access EpiPen coupons by going to their website, www.epipen.com.

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