A few years ago, there was quite a fuss about high prices and shortages affecting EpiPen emergency allergy injections. This epinephrine shot is used to avert anaphylactic shock that can be life threatening. Without rapid access to epinephrine (adrenaline), an affected person’s airways could constrict and she might collapse and even die. That is why doctors prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors for people to use themselves if they have known allergies like those to bee stings, peanuts or shellfish.
What Is the Problem with EpiPen?
Drug maker Mylan gets its epinephrine auto-injectors from Pfizer. A plant in St. Louis that makes EpiPen is having manufacturing difficulties. As a result, the generic epinephrine products are also in short supply.
A New Epinephrine Shot Costs Less:
Now, Novartis has announced that it has a new version of the epinephrine shot. The company will make epinephrine auto-injectors available in pharmacies. The drug maker has made the medication, known as Symjepi, available to pharmacies since the beginning of the year. The wholesale price for a double pack of injectors is $250, lower than the $300 Mylan and Teva charge for their generic versions.
