Yesterday, I read this story link on One Spot Allergy’s Facebook page, who mentioned that thanks to us, Mylan-the distributors of Epi Pen® have increased their earnings: Mylan rises as allergy injection EpiPen and strong generic-drug sales boost 2nd-qtr results. Yup, Mylan’s earnings from Epi Pen® sales are up, up, up.
Alas, my love hate relationship with Mylan continues. I LOVE the ease of use of the auto-injection system used to deliver life saving epinephrine. Epi Pens® save lives and are critical to any one with life threatening allergies. I HATE that the cost is extraordinarily high and that single packs are no longer available in the United States and many folks can’t afford to buy their prescribed Epi Pens®.
Per Mylan’s press release: “Specialty reported third party net revenues of $360.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $132.1 million, or 57.7% over the comparable prior year period amount of $228.7 million. This increase was the result of higher sales of the EPIPEN® auto-injector. ”
Coincidentally, the single packs were phased out during Mylan’s 2011 4th quarter and interestingly enough, their sales have increased since. Hum…in direction relation to the fact that we are forced to buy two packs whether we could afford them or not? I still have not made peace with the fact that access to life threatening epinephrine has become an ordeal. I just don’t know how folk are suppose to afford over $200 for a two pack when purchasing just one auto-injector cost just over $100? I’m having a hard time with the fact that Mylan is enjoying a 57% increase in Epi Pen® sales while I know others, who write to me via this blog, can’t afford one Epi Pen®.
In my post last week, Eureka, I Found the Epi Pen Patient Assistance Program, I noted that I called Mylan twice to learn more about their Patient Assistance program. As of July 12th and July 13th, 2012 , I am still waiting for my return phone call. As you can tell, I am a bit frustrated with Mylan. For some people, the best they afford is a single and buying the two pack is out of their reach thus placing people at risk. Businesses must make profit to stay in business, but where is the line drawn when financial gain outweighs saving a life?
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
I too have called and emailed to find out about any help they can give. With no answer for weeks. We have a $300 deductable on name brand meds, so I will have to pay full price for the Epi Pen for my daughter which I cant afford, along with the special food products I have to buy her since she is allergic to Milk, shrimp, and eggs. also ants/bugs. Both my kids are on an albuterol inhaler, and son is on Flovent, for some reason there are no generic drugs for this things, which pushes the cost of meds higher. The companies Know they can charge what ever, and we will be forced to pay it, since we need to buy the meds to keep our kids happy, healthy and alive. I even looked into buying from Canada, but they are the same price there.
Mitzi, have you checked out http://www.needymeds.org–click on the First Time Users link…I’m trying to think about who has Flovent coupons….hum….
Ask your dr. for flovent coupons. The pharmacy reps give them out by the handful. Our ped. gives us $25 off coupons with our prescription
Aggie! GREAT tip! I’ll remember that one too. My deductible is very high so I end up spending close to $1,000 on asthma meds and epineprhine. THANKS!!!! This made my day. I forgot about asking the physician. Have a great weekend.