An Epic Challenge: The Effects of the Rising Costs of EpiPens

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Secondary School

Major

-

Minor

-

Institution

Project Lead The Way - Kentucky

KY House District #

14

KY Senate District #

8

Abstract

Allergic reactions are caused by contact with a specific body’s allergens. These reactions can range from a small, minor symptoms, such as an itchy tongue, or a life threatening situation, such as shock. People inflicted with allergies must cope with the anxiety of the possibility of contact with their allergen and potential death from anaphylaxis. A way for these people to cope with this stress and be prepared is to have an EpiPen with them at all times. This device is an auto injector that contains epinephrine – adrenaline –which allows the body to respond to the reaction at hand immediately. However, the pricing for this product has grown exponentially, no longer making EpiPens as affordable. This price increase may have had a huge impact on the allergy community. We hypothesize that the quality of life of those affected by allergies has dropped significantly in response to the price increase of EpiPens. We plan to measure this by working with a local allergists’ office (who has already agreed to participate). We will create a questionnaire for their patientsto fill out regarding any changes they have faced since the increase of the price of EpiPens. We plan to quantify the answers and create a data table and chart for the information collected accordingly. We will share our analysis with local allergy offices so everyone can understand the impact and perhaps seek resources for help. We also plan to innovate an cheaper method of epinephrine delivery that patients may elect use if the EpiPen price continues to make them unaffordable.

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An Epic Challenge: The Effects of the Rising Costs of EpiPens

Allergic reactions are caused by contact with a specific body’s allergens. These reactions can range from a small, minor symptoms, such as an itchy tongue, or a life threatening situation, such as shock. People inflicted with allergies must cope with the anxiety of the possibility of contact with their allergen and potential death from anaphylaxis. A way for these people to cope with this stress and be prepared is to have an EpiPen with them at all times. This device is an auto injector that contains epinephrine – adrenaline –which allows the body to respond to the reaction at hand immediately. However, the pricing for this product has grown exponentially, no longer making EpiPens as affordable. This price increase may have had a huge impact on the allergy community. We hypothesize that the quality of life of those affected by allergies has dropped significantly in response to the price increase of EpiPens. We plan to measure this by working with a local allergists’ office (who has already agreed to participate). We will create a questionnaire for their patientsto fill out regarding any changes they have faced since the increase of the price of EpiPens. We plan to quantify the answers and create a data table and chart for the information collected accordingly. We will share our analysis with local allergy offices so everyone can understand the impact and perhaps seek resources for help. We also plan to innovate an cheaper method of epinephrine delivery that patients may elect use if the EpiPen price continues to make them unaffordable.