Sarah Jessica Parker Cuts Ties With EpiPen Drug Maker, Criticizes Price Increase

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Sarah Jessica Parker is severing ties with Mylan, the company behind EpiPen, after learning that prices for the life-saving allergy drug have skyrocketed from $100 in 2009 to nearly $600 over the last several years.

The 51-year-old actress, whose 13-year-old son James, has a severe peanut allergy blasted the drug manufacturer, saying that EpiPen is a "vital part of our families healthcare as it is for many who are at risk."

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In a lengthy statement via Instagram on Thursday, Parker explained her decision to walk away from Mylan

"I recently learned that the price of EpiPen has been systematically raised by Mylan to a point that renders the medication cost-prohibitive to most people," Parker wrote. "I'm left disappointed, saddened and deeply concerned by Mylan's actions. I do not condone this decision and I have ended my relationship with Mylan as a direct result of it."

The former Sex and the City star added in closing, "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."

EpiPen auto injectors contain the hormone epinephrine, used to fight off the potentially fatal allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock.

Though the drug reportedly only carries $1 worth of medicine, and cost less than $60 in 2007, Mylan has raised the price on EpiPens about 10 to 15 percent on a semi-annual basis.

However, Mylan is attempting to remedy the situation following public outrage, which also included a statement from Hillary Clinton, who called the price hike "outrageous."


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Amid the continued backlash, Mylan announced on Thursday that it is taking "immediate action" to make the drug more affordable, which includes offering an instant savings coupon covering up to $300, for those who have to pay out-of-pocket for the drug.

"We have been a long-term, committed partner to the allergy community and are taking immediate action to help ensure that everyone who needs an EpiPen Auto-Injector gets one,” Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said in a press release.

“We recognize the significant burden on patients from continued, rising insurance premiums and being forced increasingly to pay the full list price for medicines at the pharmacy counter," Bresch explained. "Patients deserve increased price transparency and affordable care, particularly as the system shifts significant costs to them."

Bresch blamed the price hike on a greater issue within the health care industry, and implored "all involved" to “take steps to meaningfully address the U.S. health care crisis."


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