CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It took a call to Senator Dick Durbin, but Chicago Public Schools are getting a new supply of EpiPens.
Thanks to a shortage, Chicago Public Schools district officials said they didn't think they would get a new shipment of EpiPens to replace the old ones that expired Feb. 28.
CPS decided to turn to Sen. Durbin's office for help.
Senator Dick Durbin said he called the Food and Drug Administration, which got in touch with EpiPen manufacturer Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
"Well we engaged the Food and Drug Administration and that made a big difference. This is the single most important regulatory agency for every pharmaceutical company and when we started talking to them about this national shortage, and they started reaching out to Mylan, it really went to the highest levels of the company," Durbin said.
"They decided that this was a critical, high priority to make sure the Chicago Public School system had this protection, and they accelerated production for that to happen."
Mylan donated the EpiPens to CPS; but Durbin said the company has increased the overall price of EpiPens. He said it's indicative of the larger issue of high prices for life-saving drugs.
"Many of these drugs that we're arguing about in Washington sell for a fraction of a cost in Canada. It's just inexcusable. It's exactly the same drug. The Canadian government cares, and regulates it, and protects their people. America should do the same," Durbin said.
Delivery of the new EpiPens started March 1. They should be effective for a year.
EpiPens are used to treat harmful reactions to food allergies. Sen. Durbin made the announcement Monday at the Franklin Fine Arts Center in Old Town.
