Mylan Specialty Offers Free EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors To Schools Nationwide

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.

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