Week 6 Updates
Saren S -
Hi everyone! This week, I’ve been looking into the inconsistencies in pharmacy pricing for EpiPens and how that affects accessibility. One surprising thing I’ve found is that the price of an EpiPen can vary widely depending on the pharmacy, even within the same city. Some pharmacies offer manufacturer discounts or generic alternatives at lower costs, while others charge significantly more, making it difficult for families to find affordable options. Without clear price transparency, many patients are left overpaying simply because they don’t know where to look.
Beyond pricing, I’ve also been researching the role of policy-driven price controls in other countries to see how the U.S. compares. For example, in Canada and parts of Europe, government regulations cap the cost of essential medications, making EpiPens far more affordable than in the U.S. This raises important questions about how pharmaceutical regulations and lobbying efforts influence pricing here. Unlike other nations, the U.S. allows drug manufacturers more control over pricing, which contributes to the high costs we see today.
At the clinic, I’ve been expanding my experience by observing how patients are educated about using EpiPens correctly. It’s one thing to have access to the medication, but proper usage is just as important—especially in high-stress emergency situations. I’ve seen how doctors and nurses demonstrate the correct injection technique and stress the importance of carrying an EpiPen at all times. I’ve also noticed that some patients, especially younger ones, feel uneasy about using an auto-injector on themselves, so healthcare providers spend time addressing their concerns and building their confidence.
Moving forward, I want to investigate potential policy solutions that could help lower costs, such as government-negotiated pricing or expanded patient assistance programs. I’m also planning to reach out to advocacy groups that work on medication affordability to understand what efforts are currently in place to push for change. Understanding these larger systemic factors will be key in finding realistic ways to improve EpiPen accessibility.
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