EpiPens are meant to be on hand to help save someone from a life-threatening allergic reaction. So, that means you’re going to want to have it when you need it. A recent price increase to over $600 is making it more difficult for those who need the injector to have access to it, however.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker had been a spokesperson for the brand, but due to the price increase has since decided to cut her ties to them. Parker was part of Mylan’s “Anaphylaxis for Reel” campaign, created to draw attention to life-threatening allergies like the type her 13-year-old son has to peanuts and hazelnuts.
Parker announced that she was parting ways with the company via Instagram. “I’m left disappointed, saddened and deeply concerned by Mylan’s actions,” she wrote.
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In 2009 a two-pack of EpiPens from Mylan were $100. Now, the two-pack costs more than $600. The company is receiving a lot of backlash due to the increase, and not just from Parker.
In response to the outrage from many customers, the company is offering coupons covering up to $300 “for patients in health plans who face higher out-of-pocket costs” for the EpiPen Auto-Injector treatment, according to USA Today.
“We responded this morning, first and foremost, ensuring that everybody that needs an EpiPen has an EpiPen,” Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said in an interview with CNBC. “As a mother I can assure you that the last thing we could ever want is no one to have their EpiPen due to price.”
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This issue is far from over, but folks like SJP, a former supporter, speaking out against this issue is just the kind of thing people need to cause a change.
[h/t: Huffington Post]