DeKalb County

EpiPen manufacturer to come out with generic shots

By Craig Lucie
By Craig Lucie

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The drugmaker behind EpiPen announced Monday that they will make a generic version after receiving backlash from parents and doctors across the nation after the price shot up.

Channel 2's Craig Lucie spoke with a DeKalb County parent who wrote letters to the Georgia Department of Insurance to make them aware of this problem in December 2015.

 "We had to decide whether we are going to pay our mortgage or car note," said Germaine Duncan.

Duncan's 11-year-old son, Ronald, had an allergic reaction to peanuts which can be deadly. After his reaction, doctors told Duncan that they, like thousands of other metro area parents and kids, would have to have an EpiPen with them at all times.

The expensive allergic reaction reversing drug only has a 1 year shelf life.

"I just purchased it in December and of course it expires May 2017. If I don't use it I've wasted $980, but I still need these because they are a lifesaving tool," said Duncan.

For a pack of two EpiPens parents are now having to pay more than $500 after using a coupon. A pair used to cost about $95 in 2007.

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After feeling political and public pressure, Mylan Pharmaceuticals revealed Monday that a generic version would be available.
They sent Lucie a quote:

"Mylan expects to launch the product in several weeks….because of the complexity and opaqueness of today's branded pharmaceutical supply chain and the increased shifting of costs to patients as a result of high deductible health plans, we determined that bypassing the brand system in this case and offering an additional alternative was the best option."

"I think it's a PR move. I think it's a step in the right direction and the generic version will be $300," said Dr. Paul Rabinowitz.

Rabinowitz is a certified allergist with Allergy & Asthma Consultants. He's been quoted on this subject all over the world since our story about EpiPens last week.

"It drew attention to a serious problem which is a ridiculously high cost to what is a cheap medicine>. It costs $600 for a two pack," said Rabinowitz.

Rabinowitz showed Lucie what they have to pay for a small bottle of epinephrine.

"This would have 100 doses in it and its $30. If the costs keep going up, we can prescribe epinephrine and give patients syringes to use at home. I'm sure if Mylan is coming out with it, it's the exact same medicine," said Rabinowitz.

Germaine Duncan told Lucie that Mylan still has a lot of work to do.

"I think they are trying to get America to think that they actually care, but I feel they don't. You have kids and adults who do have allergies and they need this lifesaving tool. People need it," said Duncan.

Mylan's CEO, Heather Bresch, has defended the price increases and put the blame on insurers, pharmacies and others for taking money from the initial price too.

The company announced that a $300 coupon would be available for the brand name EpiPen and the generic could cost 50 percent less than the current EpiPen.

Cox Media Group

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