Wasserman Schultz Statement on EpiPen Price Increases

Pembroke Pines, FL – U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today regarding the pricing of Mylan’s EpiPen:

“As co-chair of the Congressional Kids Safety Caucus, and as a mother of three, I am deeply concerned about recent news reports and phone calls from my constituents regarding the skyrocketing cost of Mylan Pharmaceuticals epinephrine auto-injector, EpiPen. I am especially alarmed by reports showing that since Mylan acquired the EpiPen in 2007, its price has increased from a little over $100 to nearly $600 for an injector two-pack, while profits for Mylan seem to have soared since then.

“With so many seniors, children, and their families, as well as local school districts, relying on this life-saving drug, it is undeniable that this dramatic price surge will have devastating consequences across the country. I understand that Mylan has offered to expand its assistance programs for some consumers, but for too many parents who know what it’s like to watch their child stop breathing, an inch of help won’t cut it when they need a mile.

“I call on Mylan to provide all Members of Congress with detailed information on the drastic price escalation of the EpiPen since 2007, and to provide consumers with a meaningful price reduction – not simply a discount that we know will most likely be passed on to them through higher insurance premiums. Families with severe allergies often have a laundry list of things to worry about – from peanut allergies to bee stings – but accessing life-saving medicine should not be one of them.”

###