The bill would allow pharmacists to offer patients a cheaper or generic alternative to the brand name EpiPen, unless that brand is mandated by their physician.
READ MORE: Groups with Mylan ties fighting Ohio EpiPen bill
Proponents say the change would lower out-of-pocket costs for consumers who need to have the injectors on hand in case of a severe allergy emergency.
But several patient advocacy groups opposed the bill, citing safety concerns.
Those groups take money from EpiPen’s manufacturer Mylan. They company also submitted a letter in opposition to the bill.
"It's really just giving the pharmacist the ability to provide a cheaper generic option for epinephrine for a patient," said state Rep. Niraj Antani, R-Miami Twp., a member of the health committee. "One company shouldn't have a monopoly over providing a life-saving drug."
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