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EpiPen Auto-Injector is a life-saving emergency treatment containing a sterile solution of adrenaline. It’s used to treat very serious allergic reactions called anaphylaxis (or anaphylactic shock). These reactions can be triggered by insect stings or bites, foods, medicines, latex or even exercise. Sometimes, there’s no obvious trigger for the allergic reaction: this is called idiopathic anaphylaxis.

How EpiPens work

The body’s natural response during anaphylaxis is to release adrenaline, a natural antidote to some of the chemicals released in an allergic reaction. EpiPen Auto-Injector contains a sterile solution of adrenaline to assist this response. It works directly on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to stop potential fatal effects of anaphylaxis by rapidly making the blood vessels smaller, relaxing muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, reducing swelling, and stimulating heartbeat.

Directions

It’s extremely important that you know how to correctly use your EpiPen, especially if you’re at high risk of anaphylactic shock due to a severe allergy. You should also tell your family, friends or colleagues how to use the EpiPen, and where you store it, so they’re prepared in an emergency.

If you’ve been stung by an insect, you should try to remove the stinger with your fingernails but do not squeeze, pinch or push it deeper into the skin. If possible, you should put an ice pack on the area of the sting. For allergic reactions caused by food, remove any remaining food from your mouth immediately.

Each EpiPen Auto-Injector will deliver one 0.3mg dose of adrenaline. Sometimes, a single dose may not be enough to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis and you may need to use another one within 5-15 minutes after the first injection. For this reason, you should carry two EpiPens with you at all times.

Hold the EpiPen by the middle, never by the ends. Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the orange tip, and do not remove the blue safety cap until you’re ready to use the EpiPen. Follow the instructions below on how to correctly use an EpiPen in the case of a severe allergic reaction:

• Hold the EpiPen in your dominant hand with your thumb nearest the blue cap. Form a fist around the EpiPen with the orange tip facing down.
• With the other hand, pull off the blue safety cap.
• Hold the EpiPen at a distance of approximately 10cm away from the outer thigh. The orange tip should point towards the outer thigh. Note: you don’t need to remove clothing to administer the pen into the thigh.
• Jab the EpiPen firmly into the outer thigh at a right angle and listen for a click.
• Hold firmly against the thigh for 3 seconds – the injection is now complete and the window of the injector should be obscured.
• The EpiPen should then be removed and safely discarded. The orange needle cover will extend to cover the needle.
• Dial 999 for an ambulance and state anaphylaxis. When paramedics arrive, make sure you tell them that an EpiPen has been administered.

In the case of an overdose or an accidental injection of adrenaline, your blood pressure may rise sharply and you will need to seek immediate medical attention.

You must never reuse an EpiPen, even if there appears to be medicine left in the injector. If you need to administer another injection, you must use a new one.

Side effects

Like all medicines, an EpiPen could cause side effects. Despite this, adrenaline injections are life-saving emergency treatments and should always be used in the case of anaphylaxis if possible. Some side effects may include:

• Irregular heartbeat (including palpitations or rapid heartbeats)
• High blood pressure
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Paleness
• Headache or dizziness
• Hypertension
• Weakness
• Tremor
• Apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety
• Cardiomyopathy (rare)

If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Warnings

There are no known reasons as to why anyone should not use an EpiPen during a life-threatening allergic reaction. This is a life-saving device that is incredibly important in preventing death during an anaphylactic shock. It is important, of course, to only use an EpiPen in the event of a serious allergic reaction.

You should take special care with your EpiPen and speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice if:

• You have heart disease – EpiPen may affect the medicines you are taking or bring on an attack of chest pain (angina).
• You have an overactive thyroid
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have diabetes.
• You are elderly, pregnant, or weigh less than 25kg (in children).
• You have increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma).
• You have severe kidney problems.
• You have a tumour in your prostate.
• You have high calcium levels or a low potassium level in your blood.
• You have Parkinson’s disease
• You are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies, including those obtained without a prescription.

Age restrictions

This EpiPen is primarily intended for use by people with a body weight above 25kg (3 stone 13lb). For young children or those who weigh less than 25kg, EpiPen Junior would be more appropriate.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Storage

Keep out of sight and reach of children and do not store above 25°C. It is extremely important to keep the EpiPen in its outer carton to protect from air and light. When exposed to air or light, adrenaline deteriorates rapidly and will become pink or brown – do not use this medicine if the liquid isn’t clear or colourless. Do not use an EpiPen after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging.