Beyond EpiPen: Spiking costs of basic drugs burden patients, emergency services
The price paid by
Even epsom salts -- used for asthmatics who don't respond to steroids or epinephrine -- have risen nearly 6-fold.
"We've had to ask for budget increases to keep up with the cost of medications," said the head of
The recent national outrage over the skyrocketing cost of EpiPens, the lifesaving allergic-reaction product, has brought renewed scrutiny to the rising prices of other pharmaceuticals. But it's an old story for Laster and other emergency services officials -- who not only are seeing prices go up, they're also seeing the consequences of patients unable to afford their medicines.
EpiPen's manufacturer, the formerly
Philadelphia EMS doesn't use EpiPens. Instead, emergency workers use a less expensive nasal spray epinephrine, and paramedics can administer the drug through a syringe. But even the price of generic epinephrine has risen more than 200 percent since 2013.
With the retail price of EpiPens topping
"They just rely on calling 911 and take their chances," Laster said.
As the opioid epidemic rages and record numbers of people die of overdoses, the cost of generic naloxone has more than doubled. In 2013, Philadelphia EMS spent about
Last year, naloxone spiked to
Smaller EMS companies pay even more per dose because they don't receive the volume discounts afforded large cities.
"We don't itemize the medicines we give," said
Even price increases for drugs that aren't designed as emergency remedies are having an impact on emergency services. Philadelphia EMS workers don't even carry insulin, another familiar drug that has seen astonishing price hikes. But
"They get a
At
"A barrier has been created for them that prevents them from effectively treating their illness, whether it's diabetes, high blood pressure or seizures," Oettinger said. "A visit to the ER is very expensive. Not only to the individual, but also for the hospital. It's all completely preventable."
"It's like the price of french fries at
Unlike in
"The prices aren't regulated," David said. "That's part of the issue."
Some makers of generics say they raise prices due to higher costs of raw materials, or in order to keep up with competitors who have raised their prices, though overt price collusion is illegal.
Another factor is that when manufacturers merge and consolidate, or when a company stops production of a drug, competition that otherwise could keep prices in check decreases. Drug wholesalers also come in for some of the blame, as does government regulation on how drugs are produced.
The pharmaceutical industry frequently has said that drug costs aren't the biggest driver of overall health care costs. But for consumers who don't have lavish health insurance, and for local governments, drug prices can be a considerable burden.
"Obviously any price increase is a strain," said Dep. Commissioner Laster, "And of course, that cost is passed on to taxpayers.
"That means everybody pays for it."
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