In the midst of the shortage of EpiPen, Teva publishes the generic version for children – here's what it will cost

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries announced Tuesday that its generic version of the EpiPen for Kids would now be available in most retail pharmacies in bundles of two, priced at $ 300.

"We are excited to give access to epinephrine (auto-injector) injection on two strengths for patients likely to face a life-threatening allergic emergency," said Brendan O & # Grady, executive vice president and director of North America Commercial in a statement.

"We will continue to work to ensure the availability of both forces in the United States and we plan to accelerate production to meet the urgent need for this drug," he added.

The announcement comes as the United States, Europe and Canada lack EpiPens, due to a series of manufacturing delays at the epiPen Pfizer manufacturer, which produces the device in a single factory. from St. Louis.

EpiPen is a vital self-injector that contains epinephrine and is used to treat serious allergic reactions. EpiPen Jr. is an injection for children weighing between 33 and 66 pounds.

Illinois has recently become the first state to charge health insurance companies the costs of EpiPens and similar devices for children with allergies. The new law will come into effect on January 1, but questions remain as to whether this will result in lower costs for parents, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Under the bill, insurers will need to cover EpiPen and similar devices for children 18 and under.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT FOX BUSINESS

However, many insurers already cover the auto-injector and some people may still face high fees, depending on the deductible associated with their insurance plan.

The price of EpiPen, whose production costs less than $ 2, can reach $ 700 for people without insurance, according to the office of the Governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker.

Julia Limitone of FOX Business contributed to this report.