Final answer:
An adult EpiPen contains 0.3 milligrams of epinephrine, which is essential for treating severe anaphylactic reactions due to allergies. Despite their importance, EpiPens® have seen a significant price increase over the years, raising ethical concerns about drug costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
An adult EpiPen contains 0.3 milligrams of epinephrine, which is a medication critical for countering life-threatening anaphylactic reactions caused by severe allergies. EpiPens® are preloaded syringes that make it easy for individuals to administer epinephrine in emergency situations without any special training. The swift increase in blood pressure and the ability to relax bronchial muscles that epinephrine provides can be lifesaving, especially when immediate medical help is not available.
Despite their critical role in stopping anaphylactic reactions, the price of EpiPens® has risen dramatically over the years, which has sparked public debate on the ethics of drug pricing. Nevertheless, for individuals prone to severe allergic reactions, carrying an EpiPen® can make the difference between life and death when exposed to an allergen such as bee stings, peanuts, or shellfish.