Last year we witnessed the inflation of prices for drugs people use on a daily basis. One of the most notable was that of the EpiPen, with the price inflating from about $100 to $500 or more. While this outrageous action was met with heavy criticism, the price has continued to steadily increase. Of course, many people were forced to deal with the new price because of how important the drug is to people living with life-threatening allergies.
That is until CVS announced last week that it will be stocking Adrenaclick, an approved generic version of the EpiPen. A two pack will sell for $110, which is very close the original price of an EpiPen. Currently, the EpiPen sells for around $650. The price of this generic alternative will remain the same for patients with and without insurance, and CVS is offering a coupon program from those who qualify.
Prior to the introduction of Adrenaclick, the EpiPen was the sole auto-injector of Epinephrine available for people living with life-threatening allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1 in 50 Americans have had a life-threatening allergic reaction. Imagine how many of these people may have been at risk due to Mylan's price inflation. CVS' response to the price inflation is a welcome reaction and can save the lives, and wallets, of many. So many companies have been more concerned with profits than facilitating quality healthcare. Perhaps a little competition will push Mylan, the pharmaceutical company that purchased rights to the EpiPen last year, to finally think about reducing its prices.
