BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mylan Specialty L.P., the fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical business of Mylan Inc. (NASDAQ: MYL), today announced it is continuing the EpiPen4Schools™ program. In its first year, more than 20,000 schools across all 50 states participated in the program that offers four free EpiPen or EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors to qualifying schools in the U.S. Qualifications include having a valid prescription.

Over the last year, there has been significant legislative movement across the country to improve access to epinephrine, which should encourage more schools to take advantage of the EpiPen4Schools program. The goal of the program is to help schools have ready access to epinephrine auto-injectors in case a person experiences a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) at school. People are encouraged to visit www.EpiPen4Schools.com for more information.

"Educating the public about anaphylaxis preparedness and working to improve access to treatment continues to be an important focus at Mylan, which is why we are pleased to be able to extend EpiPen4Schools," said Heather Bresch, CEO of Mylan. "We hope all schools that have participated in the past will sign up again, and those that haven't yet enrolled in the EpiPen4Schools program will do so quickly, so that EpiPen Auto-Injectors are in place by the start of the 2013 school year."

Anaphylaxis is unpredictable. For those at risk, it is important to be prepared with an anaphylaxis action plan that includes avoiding known allergens, recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, having immediate access to two epinephrine auto-injectors and seeking immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur. However, accidental exposure to an allergen can still occur and first-time reactions to unknown allergens are a possibility. Schools should also be prepared with an anaphylaxis action plan.

"Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and can occur quickly, without warning," said Ruchi Gupta, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital. "In the last year, we've seen more than 20 cases of anaphylaxis in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and have felt the positive impact of being prepared with an anaphylaxis action plan and having immediate access to epinephrine — made possible through the EpiPen4Schools program."

The back-to-school season is a key time for people affected by severe allergies to take important steps to start the school year off right. Dr. Gupta offers the following back-to-school checklist to help parents, caregivers and schools be better prepared for anaphylaxis this school year:

For Parents/Caregivers

• Mark your calendar. Meet with a health care provider and make sure your child's anaphylaxis action plan is up to date.
• Stay timely. Check expiration dates on your child's epinephrine auto-injectors, and request new prescriptions if needed. Mylan Specialty offers patients the opportunity to register their EpiPen Auto-Injectors at MyEpiPen.com to receive expiration reminders.
• Take two. Make sure your child always has immediate access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, as prescribed by a health care provider.
• Be vocal. Communicate with your child's school often to ensure planned school activities accommodate your child's needs.

For Schools/School Nurses

• Get educated. Make sure school staff members are aware of which students are at risk, know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and are trained how to respond if anaphylaxis occurs.
• Have a plan. Make sure the school has an anaphylaxis action plan that includes the following elements for people at risk and those who may experience anaphylaxis for the first time at school:
  • Avoid known allergens
  • Recognize signs and symptoms
  • Have access to two epinephrine auto-injectors
  • Seek immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur
• Get in the know. See if your school qualifies to participate in the EpiPen4Schools program by visiting www.EpiPen4Schools.com.
• Be inclusive. Make sure all classroom activities are appropriate for every student.

In addition to avoiding allergic triggers and recognizing signs and symptoms, people at risk for anaphylaxis should have access to two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times, and school personnel should be trained on how to administer epinephrine and seek immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur.

For more information on anaphylaxis, life-threatening allergies and EpiPen Auto-Injector, visit www.25YearsofEpiPen.com  

Indications
EpiPen^® (epinephrine) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use.

Important Safety Information
EpiPen Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEIN, BUTTOCK, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you take the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector.

The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest.

Talk to your healthcare professional to see if EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is right for you.

Please click here or visit www.EpiPen.com for the EpiPen Auto-Injector full Prescribing Information.

Please click here or visit www.EpiPen.com for the EpiPen Auto-Injector Patient Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that has many possible triggers, occurs quickly, without warning, and must be treated immediately with epinephrine. Symptoms may include hives or redness of the skin, tightness in the throat, nausea, dizziness, breathing problems, a decrease in blood pressure and/or fainting. Anaphylaxis can be caused by triggers such as food, stinging and biting insects, medicines, latex or even exercise. Epinephrine is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. According to the food allergy guidelines developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, if experiencing anaphylaxis, a person should use an epinephrine auto-injector and seek immediate emergency medical attention. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector does not prevent patients from having an anaphylactic reaction; hence, patients must avoid their allergic triggers at all times.  Epinephrine is a naturally-occurring hormone, also known as adrenaline, and it should be available at all times to patients at risk. Delays in epinephrine administration have been associated with negative health consequences, even possibly death.

About the EpiPen4Schools Program
The EpiPen4Schools program was launched in August 2012 to help improve access to epinephrine in the event a person experiences anaphylaxis in the school setting. The program will continue to offer four free EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors, upon qualification, which includes having a valid prescription, to public and private kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools in the U.S. The products are available in the form of two EpiPen 2-Pak^® cartons, two EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® cartons or one 2-Pak of each kind. EpiPen Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use. For complete program details, visit www.EpiPen4Schools.com.

To participate in EpiPen4Schools, a school nurse or other authorized school representative must visit www.EpiPen4Schools.com to download the order and certification form, then fax or email the form with a valid prescription to 1-973-718-4328 or info@bioridgepharma.com. Alternately, school representatives can call 1-973-845-7600 to speak with a live representative.

In addition to the EpiPen4Schools program, Mylan Specialty offers a discount program through which schools can purchase, upon qualification, EpiPen 2-Pak cartons and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak cartons at a discounted price. There is no requirement for a school to purchase additional EpiPen Auto-Injectors or any other Mylan Specialty products.

About EpiPen^® Auto-Injector
EpiPen Auto-Injectors are used for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions. Each EpiPen 2-Pak contains two single auto-injectors, instructions for use and a training device, with no drug product or needle, to help patients become familiar with the administration technique. EpiPen Auto-Injector should be administered immediately at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction. EpiPen Auto-Injector is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. Patients should seek emergency medical attention immediately following administration. For more information about EpiPen Auto-Injector, please visit www.epipen.com.

About Mylan Specialty
Mylan Specialty, a subsidiary of Mylan Inc. (NASDAQ: MYL), is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription drug products for the treatment of respiratory diseases, life-threatening allergic reactions and psychiatric disorders. For more information, please visit www.mylanspecialty.com.

About Mylan
Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company committed to setting new standards in health care. Working together around the world to provide 7 billion people access to high quality medicine, we innovate to satisfy unmet needs; make reliability and service excellence a habit; do what's right, not what's easy; and impact the future through passionate global leadership. We offer a growing portfolio of approximately 1,100 generic pharmaceuticals and several brand medications. In addition, we offer a wide range of antiretroviral therapies, upon which approximately 40% of HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries depend. We also operate one of the largest active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers and currently market products in approximately 140 countries and territories. Our workforce of more than 20,000 people is dedicated to improving the customer experience and increasing pharmaceutical access to consumers around the world. But don't take our word for it. See for yourself. See inside. mylan.com

EpiPen^®, EpiPen Jr^®, EpiPen 2-Pak^® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc. licensed exclusively to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mylan Specialty L.P.

EpiPen4Schools™ is a trademark of Mylan Inc.

© 2013 Mylan Specialty L.P. All rights reserved.

EPI-2013-0277

SOURCE Mylan Inc.