Update on Epi Pen singles availability

A few days ago I posted about my outrage that Epi Pens®, the makers of our beloved Epi Pen® were no longer shipping single packs of Epi Pen®. They will ship 2-packs and only what is left on your pharmacist’s shelf will be available. This is of great concern to me since I am whole heartedly worried that my pals who are experiencing these tough economical times up close and personal won’t have access to life saving epinephrine. I am also selfishly concerned as I need to call my pharmacy today to order an Epi Pen® single pack since my son’s “extra” Epi Pen® that I carry in my purse has expired. My insurance doesn’t cover Epi Pen® and I must pay out of pocket.  Today, I chatted with a Dey drug representative to get more details!

FAguidelinesPatient just built another barrier for access to good health care in American.  In my snit about this, I called the Dey 800 number. The rep was kind enough, but took down my name and number as I asked what is Dey’s response to folks who could barely afford one auto-injector let alone two.  My love/hate relationship continues with Dey.  I love their videos, their iPhone apps, materials…you name it.  I just don’t love this decision.  I fear it will endanger our food allergy community.
So…..this morning I was fortunate enough to get on the phone with an actual Dey drug representative, who very kindly explained a few things to me and this is what I learned:
1. Dey is responding the National Institute of Health’s recommendation that people with food allergies have immediate access to two injections due to the fact that an estimated 30% of allergic reactions require a second dose.   I copied this piece from the Dey Press Release:  The “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States,” which were developed by an expert panel sponsored by the NIAID, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), recommend that patients at risk for or who have experienced anaphylaxis have immediate access to two doses of epinephrine.  Here is a copy of the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States: FAguidelinesPatient.  Okay, I understand and my family has had this policy since the beginning of our food allergy life. Mostly since we live in a more rural area though.
2. He had great sympathy when I asked him about how will Dey address the issue of lowered income food allergic families struggling to buy just one Epi Pen who will now be forced to buy two Epi Pens®.
3. The rep explained that Dey was working on an assistance program that should be introduced during the 4th quarter.  Hum, I am concerned since single packs are no longer being shipped and it is August, what happens for folks until this program is introduced.  Also, what is the criteria and turn around time in receiving assistance?
4.  He explained that Dey will be offering on-line coupons soon for folks like me who have insurance, but Epi Pens are not covered.
I didn’t receive the answer I was looking for.  Which was, “oh Caroline, of course you are right, our multi-million dollar company missed this point and we will offer a very generous assistance program that starts tomorrow”!
But, instead I did receive honest answers from a drug rep who was doing his best to understand the needs of our community and who will go back to his camp and share our concerns in addition to trying to nail down an estimated date on Dey’s proposed assistance program.  I respect and appreciate the truth and am happy he didn’t try to give me a line of baloney.
Am I happy about this situation?  Absolutely not.
Am I working on a plan to kick up some dirt?  Absolutely!!!
If I were made queen,  I would request that Dey rescind their decision and still launch an assistance program.  Stay tuned for more information on what we can do to help Dey understand our needs.