BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mylan Specialty L.P., the fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical business of Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL), today announced the EpiPen4Schools^TM program. This effort offers four free EpiPen^® or EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) 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 will be available in the form of two EpiPen 2-Pak^® cartons, two EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® cartons or one 2-Pak of each kind. For complete details, visit www.EpiPen4Schools.com.

The EpiPen4Schools program is designed to help schools have improved access to epinephrine in the event a person experiences an anaphylactic reaction at school. This access is important because epinephrine is the only first-line treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can occur quickly and without warning. 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 remain vigilant of their environment at all times.

"Anaphylaxis is a public health problem and a major safety issue in our nation's schools," said Heather Bresch, CEO of Mylan. "The EpiPen4Schools program underscores Mylan Specialty's commitment to helping schools become more aware of the risks of anaphylaxis and become better prepared to respond during an emergency. Each school should have a comprehensive anaphylaxis action plan in place that emphasizes avoidance of the allergen. The plan also should include awareness of the risks, preparedness for an emergency and access to epinephrine and immediate medical care."

Anaphylaxis causes approximately 1,500 deaths annually, and children and adolescents are among those most at risk. Schools nationwide have made efforts to reduce exposure to allergens in the school environment -- a critical first step in managing the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions. While practicing allergen avoidance is imperative, accidental contact can still happen, which is why it is important that epinephrine is accessible.

"As the prevalence of food allergies increases, now affecting an estimated one in 13 U.S. children, so does the importance for schools to be prepared with an action plan in the event of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, " said John Lehr, CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network/Food Allergy Initiative. "For the millions of children in the U.S. with potentially life-threatening allergies it is critically important for schools to have epinephrine auto-injectors on hand to treat anaphylaxis should it occur."

EpiPen4Schools aims to provide EpiPen Auto-Injectors so they may be available not only to the students and school personnel who are known to be at risk, but also to those who are determined to be at increased risk.

For this reason, Mylan Specialty encourages each school to develop a comprehensive anaphylaxis action plan, so that students, teachers and school employees:

• Understand the risk of anaphylaxis
• Avoid allergic triggers
• Recognize the signs and symptoms
• Are prepared with access to epinephrine auto-injectors (two doses)
• Know to seek emergency medical care following administration of treatment

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. Failure to administer epinephrine early in the course of treatment has been repeatedly implicated with anaphylaxis fatalities.

About the EpiPen4Schools Program
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 (0.3 mg) cartons and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak (0.15 mg) cartons at a discounted price.

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 call 911 and seek emergency medical attention immediately following administration. For more information about EpiPen Auto-Injector, please visit www.epipen.com.

Important Safety Information
EpiPen Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR BUTTOCK, as this may not be effective. 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.

If you take certain medicines, you may develop serious life-threatening side effects from the epinephrine in EpiPen Auto-Injectors. Be sure to tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. Side effects may be increased in patients with certain medical conditions, or who take certain medicines. These include asthma, allergies, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

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.

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.

Please click here or visit www.EpiPen.com to view the EpiPen Auto-Injector prescribing information.

Please click here or visit www.EpiPen.com for the EpiPen Auto-Injector patient insert.

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 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. The company puts patients first and facilitates efficient, cost-effective partnerships with customers. 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 a habit, do what's right, not necessarily what's easy and impact the future through passionate global leadership. We offer a growing portfolio of more than 1,100 generic pharmaceuticals and several brand medications. In addition, we offer a wide range of antiretroviral therapies, upon which approximately one-third 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 150 countries and territories. Our workforce of more than 18,000 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^TM is a trademark of Mylan Specialty L.P.

© 2012 Mylan Specialty L.P. All rights reserved.
EPI12-8066/EPI482010

SOURCE Mylan Inc.