Mylan Specialty L.P., the fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical business of Mylan Inc., announced it is continuing the EpiPen4Schools programme. In its first year, more than 20,000 schools across all 50 states participated in the programme that offers four free EpiPen or EpiPen Jr (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors to qualifying schools in the US. 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 programme. The goal of the programme 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 programme 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, 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 programme."

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:

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.

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.