EpiPen price hikes cost DOD millions

Mylan's price increases for EpiPens have cost the U.S. Department of Defense millions of dollars since 2008 as the agency covered more prescriptions at near retail prices, according to government data reported by Reuters.

Pentagon spending on EpiPens rose from $9 million in 2008 to $57 million over the past year, an increase attributable to increasing volume and price hikes for the lifesaving allergy shot. The Pentagon gets a government discount on EpiPens dispensed at military treatment facilities and by mail order. However, nearly half of its spending was at retail pharmacies where it paid nearly three times more than its discounted rate: an average of $509 for EpiPen and $528 for EpiPen Jr. two-packs, according to the report.

However, the DOD's spending on EpiPens might come down in the future. Both the Pentagon and Mylan told Reuters they are discussing a military discount via rebates for EpiPens filled at retail pharmacies.

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