Iowans are complaining that a device used for emergency treatment during life-threatening allergic reactions is skyrocketing in price. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s hearing from dozens of constituents about the rising cost of the EpiPen

 

One report says the devices sold in two-packs in 2009 for about $100. EpiPens resemble an ink pen and auto-inject epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. Grassley says he’s concerned the substantial price increase could limit access to a much-needed medication.

 

Another fear, Grassley says, is that the bounding expense of the devices could create an unsafe situation for patients as people try to make their own EpiPen kits from raw materials.