BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mylan Specialty L.P., the fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical business of Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL), is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the EpiPen^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector. This innovative epinephrine auto-injector, the first of its kind, was developed for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Today, with more than 46 million EpiPen Auto-Injectors dispensed, it remains the No. 1 prescribed epinephrine auto-injector.

In recognition of this important milestone, Mylan Specialty recently introduced the 25^th anniversary "$0 Co-Pay Offer." As is consistent with Mylan's commitment to providing people access to high quality medicine, this co-pay card is available to both cash-paying and commercially insured patients. Certain restrictions apply. Additional information about the co-pay card is available online at EpiPen.com, and the coupon is available to patients through physicians across the country. The "$0 Co-Pay Offer" is valid for up to three EpiPen 2-Pak^® cartons or EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® cartons per prescription, as patients may need to access two EpiPen or EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors in multiple locations. Eligible patients can use the offer with an unlimited number of prescriptions until the coupon offer expires on December 31, 2013. 

"Mylan has a long-standing dedication to increasing access to epinephrine auto-injectors through innovative access solutions such as the EpiPen4Schools program, and we're pleased to continue that commitment by introducing our $0 Co-Pay Offer," said Heather Bresch, CEO of Mylan.  

Immediate access to epinephrine, the medication delivered by EpiPen Auto-Injector, is a critical component of an anaphylaxis action plan. Since 2009, EpiPen Auto-Injectors have delivered an injection of epinephrine using built-in needle protection, so people never see or are exposed to the needle before and after use. Those known to be at risk for anaphylaxis should have an action plan that includes avoiding known allergens, recognizing symptoms, having access to two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times and seeking immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur.

"As part of this important anniversary year we also want to celebrate the millions of people, from emergency responders and school nurses to caregivers and patients, who are trained on and prepared with our EpiPen Auto-Injector in the event anaphylaxis occurs," said Bresch. "We recognize that with the increase in food allergies, that the risk of anaphylaxis may be on the rise, and as the leading marketers of epinephrine auto-injectors for 25 years, we will continue to introduce educational efforts that lead to greater anaphylaxis awareness and preparedness."

As Mylan Specialty rolls out several new programs this year, the company will continue to partner with trusted advocacy organizations from across the country to increase awareness and preparedness of life-threatening allergic reactions. Advocacy organizations including Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA), the American Latex Allergy Association (ALAA), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Kids With Food Allergies Foundation (KFA) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) continue with outstanding success to unite their members around this important issue. Mylan Specialty is proud to collaborate with these allies on both new and existing educational activities focusing on anaphylaxis awareness and preparedness.

"For 25 years, the EpiPen Auto-Injector has helped people with potentially life-threatening allergies be better prepared for an anaphylactic reaction, whether they are going out to dinner, heading off for the first day of school or traveling to a foreign destination," said Bill McLin, President and CEO of AAFA. "AAFA is proud to partner with Mylan Specialty and to continue our work with them on many initiatives to increase awareness about life-threatening allergies and improve access to emergency epinephrine treatment."

Additional plans by Mylan Specialty to honor the 25^th anniversary of EpiPen Auto-Injector will be announced soon.

For more information on anaphylaxis, life-threatening allergies and EpiPen Auto-Injector, visit epipen.mediaroom.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 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 www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

About the "$0 Co-Pay Offer" Card
Mylan Specialty is excited to offer the 25^th anniversary "$0 Co-Pay Offer" card. The offer is available to both cash-paying and commercially insured patients, including those with a high deductible. Certain restrictions apply. The "$0 Co-Pay Offer" (with maximum benefit up to $100 per each EpiPen 2-Pak) is valid for up to three EpiPen 2-Pak cartons or EpiPen Jr 2-Pak cartons per prescription. Eligible patients can use the offer an unlimited number of times until the expiration date, December 31, 2013. The co-pay card is available through physicians across the country. Patients can contact Mylan Customer Service at 1-800-796-9526 with any questions, and can obtain additional information about the co-pay card at EpiPen.com. In addition to this offer, EpiPen Auto-Injector continues to have more than 97% Tier 2 Preferred Commercial Coverage.

About the EpiPen4Schools™ Program
The EpiPen4Schools program offers 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. In addition to the EpiPen4Schools program, Mylan Specialty offers a discount program through which schools can purchase, upon qualification, EpiPen 2-Pak (0.3 mg) cartons and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak (0.15 mg) cartons at a discounted price. There is no requirement for a school to purchase additional EpiPen Auto-Injectors or any other Mylan Specialty products. For complete program details, visit www.EpiPen4Schools.com.

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. 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 EpiPen^® Auto-Injector
EpiPen^® and EpiPen Jr^® Auto-Injectors are used for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions. Each EpiPen 2-Pak^® and EpiPen Jr 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. EpiPen Auto-Injector has been the No. 1 prescribed epinephrine auto-injector for 25 years and has three-step easy-to-follow instructions for use. More than 46 million EpiPen Auto-Injectors have been dispensed. 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 Specialty L.P.

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

EPI13-8026/EPI547903-01

SOURCE Mylan Specialty L.P.