The generic version of allergic-reaction treatment EpiPen will hit U.S. pharmacies beginning next week after a firestorm over manufacturer
The life-saving treatment's skyrocketing price tag enraged consumers, Congress and drug industry watchdogs after multiple increases over the last several years resulted in a list price of more than $600 for a two-pack, up from about $100 in 2009.
In August, Mylan announced plans to introduce a generic version for a wholesale cost of $300. Most patients pay significantly less for the treatment because it's partially covered by insurance or they qualify for discounts, but some pay the full cost out of pocket.
The company will continue to sell the name-brand EpiPen. But the generic "has the same drug formulation and device functionality" and "is administered in the same way."
The generic version's box is labeled, "Epinephrine Injection, USP Auto-Injectors," with two dosage options: 0.3 milligrams an 0.15 milligrams.
The device delivers an emergency treatment of epinephrine to counteract anaphylaxis, which can be deadly.
Critics have cited Mylan as an example of exorbitant price increases that are becoming rampant in the pharmaceutical industry.
"Americans are rightfully concerned about rising drug prices, and now more than ever patients and families across this country are standing at the pharmacy counter struggling to pay for their medications," Mylan CEO
"While it is important to understand the outdated and complex system that determines what someone pays for medicine in the U.S., hardworking families don't need an explanation, they need a solution. This is why we took decisive action with our EpiPen product and have launched the first generic version at half the (wholesale) price."
Mylan has also come under fire for classifying EpiPen incorrectly as a generic treatment for the Medicaid Drug Rebate program, resulting in the company doling out lower rebates to state health programs.
In a recent settlement with the
