HOUSTON – Public outcry is growing, and two members of Congress are demanding an explanation following a sudden and dramatic surge in the cost of EpiPens.
The pens are used by parents and school nurses across the country to treat children who experience potentially deadly allergic reactions.
With a quick stab to the thigh, the life-saving injection reduces swelling, closing of the airways and other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
The outrage comes as families are discovering the cost of an EpiPen has surged more than 400 percent in the last eight years.
Members of Congress said they're concerned parents can't afford the pens for children as they're heading back to school.
Two senators have sent a letter to the maker of the EpiPen, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, asking the company to justify the increase.
The company won't explain its decision to raise the price, but points to high-deductible health plans that require families to pay more out of pocket for many drugs.
The two senators taking the lead on the issue have asked the federal trade commission to investigate if the price hike violates anti-competition laws.
A petition sent to Congress has collected more than 61,000 signatures. Here's a link to the petition.