Meanwhile, it appears that Mylan has introduced their own generic version of the EpiPen:
There is competition out there, but doctors may not know about the alternatives, or they may be receiving some compensation from Mylan, so they will prescribe Epi Pen routinely. Or the alternatives are not covered by insurance. Honestly, I think Mylan has tried to downplay and stifle the competition, so only their product will appear to be the only alternative. Certainly, it seems that the company has the lock on advertising. Have you seen other such pens advertised? I don't recall ever seeing a commercial or print ad for any ofbthem. So most people don't even know alternatives are out there. My hope is that this new, cheaper product will blow Mylan out of the water and kill off this virtual monopoly. Certainly, the insurance companies, always on the lookout for the cheaper medicines will embrace this newer, less expensive product, so insurance won't be a problem. Gives the patient a choice.