As a response to the high costs of epinephrine auto-injectors, a Senate Public Health Committee advanced Senate Bill 2038 to allow authorized, trained entities to administer less–costly epinephrine from a glass vial, ampule or pre-filled syringe.

The proposal seeks to make life-saving epinephrine more available in cases of deadly allergic reactions by making it less cost–prohibitive for schools and universities, companies, restaurants, etc. to keep the medication on hand.

It is estimated that allowing entities to obtain an epinephrine prescription from a health–care practitioner in these less expensive forms could save hundreds and even thousands of dollars every year. Epinephrine auto-injectors can range from $300 to $2000 for a pack of two, while in contrast a glass vial of epinephrine from a pharmacy costs approximately $10 to $50.