New Online Resource Helps Canadians Get the Facts About Prescription Medications

TORONTO, June 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ – Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC, the Canadian
subsidiary of Mylan Inc., announced today the introduction of a new
online resource, ChoosingGenerics.ca, to help Canadians learn more about the value, reliability and quality
of generic pharmaceuticals. The website is a public awareness tool that
seeks to dispel common misconceptions and help Canadians learn more
about the benefits of generic drugs.

ChoosingGenerics.ca provides helpful information and printer-friendly resources for
consumers. The website is divided into three sections to help visitors
learn the facts about generic drugs, understand the cost savings
associated with choosing a generic instead of a brand equivalent and
get helpful tools to talk to physicians and pharmacists about
prescription medications. The site also includes a personal medication
tracker and instructions on how to read a prescription drug label.
Available in English and French, the resource provides a comprehensive
list of frequently asked questions and “myths and facts” to help
consumers gain a better understanding of the advantages of generic
pharmaceuticals.

“One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to pharmaceutical
products is that if it costs more, then it must be of better quality,”
said Richard Guest, President of Mylan Inc.’s business in Canada. “This
idea couldn’t be more wrong. Generic drugs are every bit as safe,
potent and effective as brand name drugs. Generic drug companies have
been providing patients in Canada with safe and affordable medicines
for more than 50 years.”

Generic manufacturers must demonstrate to Health Canada that a drug is
“bioequivalent” to the brand version, meaning that it is equal in
dosage, safety, strength, quality, the way it works in the body and the
way it is taken. Many Canadians are not aware of the efficacy of
generic drugs and, as a result, end up spending more on brand drugs
when they don’t need to.

“In 2011, generic drugs filled more than 60% of all prescriptions
dispensed in Canada and helped save consumers, governments and
employers nearly $8.5 billion,” said Jim Keon, President of the
Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA). “They are one of
the best ways to reduce health care costs while maintaining the same
quality of medication. Consumers should get into the habit of asking
their doctor and pharmacists about generic drug options.”

In Canada, generic drugs cost consumers an average of 60% less than
their brand name counterparts. With provincial governments paying for
about half of all dispensed prescription drugs, tax payers can save the
health care system, and ultimately themselves, a great deal of money by
opting for generic drugs. In addition, Canadian companies spend an
average of $200 million per week on prescription drugs – a cost that
continues to rise. As a result, offering benefit plans that cover
prescription costs is increasingly difficult for employers. While
employees covered under a benefit plan may not feel the pinch at the
pharmacy, they end up paying through reduced employee benefits and
salaries. To put this into perspective, for each 1% increase in generic
drug use, Canadians can save $262 million.

To learn more about the true value, reliability and affordability of
generic drugs, visit www.choosinggenerics.ca.

SOURCE MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC