The price of EpiPens in the U.S. has surged beyond all reason. Epinephrine auto-injectors are used by those who have severe allergic reactions. The injectors save people's lives. But in recent years, EpiPens have become simply too expensive for many to afford.
Since there is no generic alternative, Mylan Pharmaceuticals has effectively cornered the market, charging whatever it wants for its product.
Over the past decade alone, Mylan has upped the price several times per year. Currently a pack of two injectors costs around $600USD. Back in 2007, the same pack cost just under $100USD. The product hasn't changed, so why the 400 per cent price hike?
It's probably no coincidence that the cost has shot up in line with the incidence of allergies. An estimated 3.6 million Americans were prescribed the two-pack of EpiPens last year alone.
It's an inflation many claim is unwarranted, and motivated solely by greed.
For those with severe allergies, the injectors can mean the difference between life and death.
After all, kids with anaphylaxis aren't allowed to attend school without an EpiPen. Along with back-to-school supplies, allergic kids need new pens every year or so, since the pens expire and are also contingent on a child's weight. Not all insurance plans cover the exorbitant cost.
It's enough to keep parents up at night.
North of the border, the cost of the pens is more reasonable, with drug prices regulated by a governing body.
Yet though the cost remains unchanged for now - hovering around the $100 mark for the past four years - that may not always be the case, as Pfizer distributes the pens under license from Mylan.
In the wake of all the bad press, Mylan has offered discount cards. However, it has not adjusted the price of the pens.
"It's wrong when drug companies put profits ahead of patients, raising prices without justifying the value behind them," Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a statement this week.
Price gouging at its worst. It's morally reprehensible to put a price tag on anyone's health.
My heart breaks for the parents out there wondering how they will afford to keep their kids safe this year. No mom or dad should ever be put in that position.
Image Source: WikiCommons
Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) and Dorel Juvenile Products have jointly recalled Safety1st Step n Go Travel System, manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Canada.
The travel system includes the OnBoard35 infant car seat and stroller in the following models (model number is located on a label on the back of the stroller's backrest):
The stroller's tray may disengage when the car seat is attached to the stroller, posing a fall hazard.
While Health Canada has not received any reports related to the travel systems, Dorel reported eight incidents of the tray detaching. In the United States, Dorel received 30 reports of the tray detaching on one side.
No injuries were reported in either country.
Customers are advised to stop using the stroller with the car seat immediately and contact Dorel Juvenile Canada for a free repair kit.
For further information, customers can contact Dorel Juvenile Canada by phone at 1-866-762-3036 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST or by email or online.
From May 2015 to June 2016, approximately 5,787 strollers were sold in retail stores across Canada, and approximately 20,000 in the U.S.
Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC), McDonald's Corp. and McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited have jointly recalled all "Step-iT" Activity Wristbands.
The watches come in two styles: an "Activity Counter" and a "Light-up Band." Both have the words "Made for McDonald’s" inscribed on the back of the watch face.
While Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents related to the watches, McDonald's reported more than 70 incidents of the watch causing skin irritations and burns. At least eight such incidents occurred in Canada.
Customers are advised immediately to remove the watches from children. Customers should dispose of the watches or return to any McDonald’s for a free replacement toy and a yogurt tube or a bag of apple slices.
For further information, customers can contact McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited at 1-888-424-4622 or via McDonald's website.
From approximately 9 through 17 August 9, 2016, an estimated 3.6 million of the wristbands were distributed exclusively at McDonald's across Canada, and an estimated 29 million in the United States, as part of a Happy Meal children's promotion.
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