Why EpiPens expire so quickly
Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said one positive thing at her controversial hearing: Mylan will soon push to extend the shelf life for EpiPens.
Currently, EpiPens expire 18 months from the date of manufacture. Facing criticism for the drug’s price hike, Bresch said the company hopes the expiration date can be extended to a minimum of 24 months. But Mylan will need to convince regulators that a new formulation can remain effective that long.
An extension would be helpful to patients who have to discard unused EpiPens annually and buy new ones, especially when the price has gone up to over $600 for a two-pack. But it’s also critical that EpiPens work correctly in emergencies. EpiPen’s shelf life is limited by the chemistry of epinephrine, which is notoriously finicky. If exposed to light, heat, or air, it can degrade.
