What's that? A pharmaceutical company hiked up the price of a common medication? Hearing this did not surprise me the least bit. "Big Pharma" is corrupt, greedy, power mongering, and political (but that's another article for another day). A move like this is by no means shocking. However, this one hit closer to home.
Dear Mylan,
I have a life-threatening peanut allergy.
When I was just 6 months old, I nearly died after digesting an unknown allergen. My small, defenseless body went into anaphylaxis shock as I swelled up beyond recognition. From that day forward, your EpiPen has been a huge part of my life.
Today, I'm 21 years old and while many things have changed one thing remains the same: I still depend on my EpiPen. It is my lifeline; my sense of peace. I don't leave home without it.
Of course, I avoid my allergens -- as your new, primetime commercials suggest. When I can't be 100% certain what's in that "secret sauce," I keep my distance. I try my best to steer clear of those eating an ooey gooey peanut butter dessert. I take all the precautions, but having my EpiPen close by gives my anxious heart some rest, because I know I can depend on it if something goes terribly wrong despite my greatest efforts.
Regardless, having a severe allergy is really scary.
But you know that, Mylan, don't you? You know that for 1 in 50 people, something as small as a peanut or a bumblebee can be the difference between life and death -- and your product gives the chance for life.
You know that we depend on you, which is what makes you a bully.
Your competitor was recently taken off the market, making you the monopoly overnight -- and you took advantage of that. While it's true, there are other auto injectors in the pharmaceutical world, they operate differently than we are used to. Not to mention, they are harder to obtain prescriptions for, but I'm guessing you already knew all of that, too. You saw an opportunity for profit and you acted, bravo.
The EpiPen costs you next to nothing to produce, but because you are well aware of how priceless it is in the wake of the unknown, you went out of your way to extort your loyal market for the sake of a salary raise. That, Mylan, is disgusting and you should be ashamed.
I'm frustrated. I'm upset because an allergy I can't control, yet try my hardest to avoid, makes me a target -- just another dollar sign. Actually, six hundred dollar signs to be exact. Let's also take into account that my EpiPen should, in theory, be replaced every. single. year. They are profiting off of my necessary pre-caution. So...
To whom it may concern:
Be that Heather Bresch, Martin Shkreli, or the next "Big Pharma" company inspired by these greed-driven actions.
What you did -- what you are doing -- is wrong. It's manipulative, greedy, and just plain rude. It's not my place to judge you or call you a villain, but just know I don't like you.
The worst part is that I will remain a pawn in your game. A number in a computer. A big, green dollar sign. I have very little choice in the matter because my life literally depends on it. But again, you already know that.
Let this be a wake-up call for America.
The pharmaceutical industry is not on your side. They are not your friend. They are not a selfless leader working for the greater good. They are a business; one that is driven by profits. They are not here to see to it that you are healthy. Hell, they are profiting off of you being sick!
Wake up, America! Do your homework! "Big Pharma" poses a greater threat than mainstream media will brainwash you into believing.
