EpiPen

• Each EpiPen contains adrenaline for injection only if a severe allergic reaction occurs
• Adrenaline can reverse allergic symptoms including difficulty breathing, lip or tongue swelling, wheezing, rashes and digestive symptoms
• An EpiPen is prescribed to people who have an allergy that causes severe symptoms
• Allergens that cause life-threatening allergic reactions might include food items, insect stings or certain drugs
• If you are prescribed an EpiPen, you should carry it with you in all situations where there is a potential risk - this may mean carrying the EpiPen at all times
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

An EpiPen contains the drug adrenaline. Adrenaline is known to quickly reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This condition causes facial swelling, a fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing due to airway swelling or spasm, and digestive upset including vomiting and diarrhoea. The adrenaline also treats rashes and skin itching associated with a severe allergy. 

Although it is best to avoid allergens, this is not always possible. An allergic reaction may occur due to the accidental ingestion of a product that contains nuts, or following an insect sting. It is therefore important to carry at least one EpiPen with you at all times so that you, a friend or relative, can administer the drug if required.

Despite being an injectable medication, the EpiPen is designed to be easy to use by lay people in an emergency situation. Instructions are printed on the side of the EpiPen, explaining how the auto-injector should be used.

In an emergency situation, the EpiPen should first be removed from its flip-top plastic case.

Next, remove the blue safety cap.

Hold the orange tip of the EpiPen at 90

Jab the orange tip of the EpiPen firmly into your outer thigh at a right angle. Hold in place firmly for three seconds, then remove and discard.

Call 999, ask for an ambulance, and say “anaphylaxis” (anna-fill-axis), even if your symptoms appear to be improving.

If symptoms recur after using one EpiPen, a second EpiPen should be administered if available.

An EpiPen for adults contains 0.3mg of adrenaline.

The EpiPen is only to be used in an emergency.

A different EpiPen (the EpiPen Junior) is available for children with severe allergies.

Like all medications, the EpiPen can have some side effects. However, as the risks associated with anaphylaxis are great, the side effects are not a reason to withhold the medication. The most common side effects include:

• A fast heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting (feeling sick and being sick)
• Looking pale
• Feeling dizzy
• Weakness
• Shaking
• Headache
• Feeling nervous
• Heart rhythm abnormalities.

After using an EpiPen, an ambulance must be called by dialling 999. All side effects will therefore be managed by medical professionals in a hospital setting.

An EpiPen should only be prescribed if there is a clear history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. It is recommended that two EpiPens are carried at all times in case the first dose of adrenaline does not completely manage the symptoms.

At Eumeds, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

Once prescribed, an EpiPen will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. The EpiPen will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.