Posted by Michael Wonder on 25 Aug 2016
Mylan EpiPen US prices hikes unlikely to be experienced in Australia, experts say
25 August 2016 - Thankfully some informed coverage from the ABC with added local context.
Australian parents are being reassured they are unlikely to face big price hikes for the EpiPen, a life-saving anti-allergy device, despite a controversial 400 per cent cost increase in the United States.
Since the international pharmaceutical company Mylan purchased the product in 2007, it has slowly raised the price in the US from $50 to more than $300 per EpiPen.
In the last decade, Mylan has also made the product only available in twin packs, so American allergy sufferers have to pay up to $600 for the drug.
However, Australians are able to buy an EpiPen twin-pack for $38, under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Those who do not qualify can buy the drug privately over the counter for $100.
