[Drago]

The author makes a few goods points about Clinton & Bernie and the medical device tax, but the ACA device tax would only account for about $5. of the increase. Basically, Ms. Bresch at Mylan got demand for the “Epipen” to jump dramatically by using her dad the U.S. senator to help push thru mandatory “epinephrine auto-injector” legislation for schools & airlines and also a lot of high-priced advertising to parents of allergic kids that they had to have Epipens. Unfortunately those parents/schools only think of “Epipen” when thinking of “epinephrine auto-injector”...sorta like Crescent wrench instead of “adjustable open-end wrench” or “Kleenex” instead of “tissue”. Sales skyrocketed and she jacked the price to match. Fortunately there are other suppliers of “epinephrine auto-injectors”....including “Adrenaclick” for about the cost of Epipen 10 years ago, and the usage instructions are very similar “remove safety caps, place needle end against the thigh and push firmly for 10 seconds”. :

http://adrenaclick.com

http://www.goodrx.com/adrenaclick

Usage:
http://adrenaclick.com/how_to_use_adrenaclick_epinephrine_injection_USP_auto_injector.php

https://www.epipen.com/about-epipen/how-to-use-epipen

[dr_lew]

Thank you for that explanation. I guess this fits the mold of “generic vs. brand name”, which we see ( cough cough ) in other medications.

[wbarmy]

and the usage instructions are very similar “remove safety caps, place needle end against the thigh and push firmly for 10 seconds”. :

GAS GAS GAS

Reminds me of the old nerve agent antidote needles we had in the 1980's in the military. Every once in awhile, someone would be practicing and puncture themselves. They acted like it hurt a lot. I learned from their experiences.

[sneakers]

Thanks for the links! I’ve already passed them on to son (who is allergic to bees along with his 2yo daughter) and wife.

sneaks

[ThomasMore]

This jack in price is due to GREED. My grand-daughter nearly died 3 years ago because of a reaction to peanut butter. She’s had to carry this “Epipen:” with her everywhere. Her parents are hard working citizens who don’t own “money trees” and can’t print money the way our government does.

Thanks for the information on adrenaclick.com

F.A. Hayak warned us (Road to Serfdom) that unrealistic patent lifespan can stifle the free market of competition. This is rampant in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s also shameful and abhorrent. They are making billions off the sufferings of humanity.

[2nd amendment mama]

Thank you so much for this info. My Epi-Pen is out of date and I’ll ask my doctor to prescribe Adrenaclick instead.