Mylan Launches Generic EpiPen Auto-Injector

Officials with Mylan have announced the launch of generic EpiPen (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector at half the cost of its brand name counterpart. The authorized generic will be sold at a cost of $300 per epinephrine injection USP two-pack in 0.15-mg and 0.3-mg strengths, and will be available in retail pharmacies starting next week.

Epinephrine Injection, USP Auto-Injectors are indicated for emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers.

Mylan’s generic version retains the same drug formulation and device functionality as the brand name, and is administered in the same way. Mylan EpiPen Auto-Injector has been on the market for almost 30 years, but it has recently come under fire for price hikes. Although Mylan attempted to taper criticisms with discount coupons for the brand name drug, consumers and members of Congress continued to push for a price drop, resulting in the company’s move to release the lower-priced, generic version.

“Unfortunately, families will continue to face sticker shock for medications and may be forced to make difficult choices until the pharmaceutical pricing system is reformed to address the increasing shift of costs directly to consumers,” Heather Bresch, Mylan CEO, said in a press release. “This is why we took decisive action with our EpiPen product and have launched the first generic version at half the WAC price. This unprecedented action, along with the enhancements we made to our patient access programs, will help patients and provide substantial savings to payers.”

Reference

• Mylan Launches the First Generic for EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector as an Authorized Generic [news release]. Mylan.

http://newsroom.mylan.com/2016-12-16-Mylan-Launches-the-First-Generic-for-EpiPen-epinephrine-injection-USP-Auto-Injector-as-an-Authorized-Generic. Accessed December 16, 2016.