It’s been one of the most controversial pieces of medical equipment in recent years – the lifesaving Epipen, which has become so expensive, its manufacturer has been accused of inflating its price by almost 500 percent since 2007.
But now, after nearly 150,000 people signed a petition asking for a lower-cost alternative to the Epipen, America’s largest pharmacy, CVS, has announced that a cheaper, generic alternative will be on shelves from today.
“We’re encouraged to see national efforts to make epinephrine auto-injectors more affordable and more available to Americans across the country,” said Cary Sennett, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
“Partnerships that increase access to vital medications are key in helping those suffering from life-threatening allergies.”
A Super Cheap, Generic Alternative to the EpiPen Just Hit Shelves in the US