Some retailers are charging as much as $700 for a set of EpiPens, the brand name life-saving injectors filled with epinephrine to stop an anaphylactic reaction, according to The Baltimore Sun. While patients pay different amounts depending on their out-of-pocket insurance requirements, the price for EpiPens is several hundred dollars higher than it was just a few years ago.
EpiPens are generally used to treat severe allergic reactions caused by food allergies as well as those caused by insect bites or stings, certain medications or latex.
Roughly 6 percent of children have a potentially life-threatening food allergy, according to data from the CDC, The Baltimore Sun reported.
The price hike for EpiPens, made by Amsterdam-based Mylan, is largely attributable to the Sanofi US' 2015 recall of its epinephrine injector Auvi-Q because of inaccurate dosing. Sanofi's device was the main competition to EpiPens, and a generic isn't widely available, according to the report.
Mylan said it offers coupons to help patients afford their co-pays, as well as assistance to the uninsured and some free doses to schools. However, the high cost of EpiPens has drawn criticism from the public and lawmakers.
"It's unconscionable that Mylan is taking advantage of a group of people who desperately need their medication to prevent life threatening allergic reactions, but I can't say that I am surprised," said Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), a ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.