From the People article:
“I’m left disappointed, saddened and deeply concerned by Mylan’s actions,” the 51-year-old actress wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday. “I do not condone this decision and I have ended my relationship with Mylan as a direct result of it.”
In the post, Parker noted that her son, James Wilkie, requires an EpiPen for his peanut allergy, writing that the product “is a vital part of our family’s healthcare, as it is for the many who are at risk.”
The pens are small devices filled with epinephrine and used in case of life-threatening allergic reactions to peanuts, bees, and more. In 2007, they cost just $57 but since then, the price has increased each year. In fact, the price jumped 32 percent between 2014 and 2015.
SJP went on to say, “I hope they will seriously consider the outpouring of voices of those millions of people who are dependent on the device, and take swift action to lower the cost to be more affordable for whom it is a life-saving necessity.” She originally signed on as a paid spokesperson for Mylan, as part of the “Anaphylaxis For Reel” campaign, because her son suffers from a life-threatening peanut allergy.
Given the attention their decision has garnered, the company has announced they will, “eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for uninsured and under-insured patients, cover up to $300 of out-of-pocket costs at pharmacies as well as “open a pathway to provide [EpiPens] directly to patients”, according to the People article.
Some wonder if the price increase is due to a 2012 lawsuit where Mylan agreed to let a generic competitor cut into the market. The continual price increases would, therefore, be an attempt to profit before the generic company comes along and competition starts.
Even if that is the case, it’s in poor taste and judgment, as struggling families deserve better. Thanks again to SJP for doing the right thing.
