(Bloomberg) -- Mylan NV said it was expanding a recall of its EpiPen allergy injection to some lots of the device that have been distributed in the U.S., after defects were found that could keep the injectors from working in an emergency.
Mylcan called the defect “extremely rare,” and is recalling 13 lots of the pens. The company said it will replace pens from the recalled lots at no cost, and that people should keep the ones they have until they get their replacements.
“The recall is being expanded to include additional lots as a precautionary measure out of an abundance of caution,” the drugmaker said in a statement Friday. EpiPen is licensed by Mylan, and the pens are manufactured by Meridian Medical Technologies, a unit of Pfizer Inc.
Nina Devlin, a Mylan spokeswoman, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
EpiPen is one of Mylan's biggest products, making up the backbone of its specialty drugs division. The company has faced criticism over the drug's cost. EpiPen's wholesale price has jumped six-fold since Mylan acquired its marketing rights in 2007 and it now lists for about $600 for a two-pack. Mylan also sells a generic version of EpiPen for $300.
The injection is used to counteract dangerous allergic reactions, such as those from bee stings or food allergies.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jared S. Hopkins in New York at jhopkins38@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Drew Armstrong at darmstrong17@bloomberg.net, John Lauerman
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
