02/13/2020

EpiPens Still Costly Despite Generic Alternatives

OSAE Member Antonio Ciaccia says drug manufacturers are to blame

If Meg White ever got stung by a bee, her EpiPen could ultimately save her life.

But the injector she so desperately needs to carry with her at all times comes at a steep price.

White, 57, of Dublin, Ohio, said she recently paid $289 for a pack of two Mylan EpiPens, which can help stop a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction.

Antonio Ciaccia, a spokesman for Ohio Pharmacists Association, said drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies are all to blame for the high cost of the drug. The drug manufacturers make the drug, set the price and negotiate with pharmacy benefit managers—the companies hired by health insurers to manage prescription-drug benefits, he said.

Please select this link to read the complete article from MedicalXPress.