The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers about adrenaline autoinjectors are based on inquiries that have been received by, or forwarded to the Australasian Society of Clinical immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) since 2003, mostly from parents, patients, first aid providers, schools and childcare service staff.  This document was last updated on 1^st December 2010 and will be updated as new questions are received and/or new information becomes available.

What are adrenaline autoinjectors?

Adrenaline autoinjectors are automatic injectors that contain a single, pre-measured dose of adrenaline, designed for use by people who are not medically trained. 

Why do you need to use adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis?

Adrenaline is the first line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis (potentially life threatening severe allergic reaction) and must be used promptly. Adrenaline works rapidly (within minutes) to reduce throat swelling, open up the airways and maintain blood pressure.  Withholding or delaying adrenaline may result in deterioration and can contribute to the death of an individual experiencing anaphylaxis.

What types of adrenaline autoinjectors are available?

In Australia and New Zealand, there are two brands of adrenaline autoinjectors (EpiPen^®  and Anapen^®) and each of these is also available in a Junior version (EpiPen^®Jr and Anapen^®Jr).  As EpiPen^®  and Anapen^® products have different administration techniques, only one brand should be prescribed per individual and their ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis must be specific for the brand they have been prescribed.  

Who can use an adrenaline autoinjector?

Adrenaline autoinjectors have been designed for use by people who are not medically trained in an emergency, such as a friend, teacher, childcare worker, parent, passer-by or the individual with anaphylaxis themselves (if they are not too unwell or too young to do this).  Instructions are shown on the barrel of each device.

If I'm not sure it is anaphylaxis should I use an adrenaline autoinjector?       

If in doubt, it is better to use an adrenaline autoinjector, than not use it, even if the reaction is not anaphylaxis.  Under-treatment of anaphylaxis is more harmful (and potentially life threatening) than over-treatment of a mild or moderate allergic reaction. 

If I am not sure if an individual is experiencing asthma or anaphylaxis, when should an adrenaline autoinjector be used?

In an individual with asthma, who is also at risk of anaphylaxis, the adrenaline autoinjector should be used first, followed by asthma reliever medication, calling an ambulance, continuing asthma first aid and following the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.

Why do adrenaline autoinjectors need to be administered into the outer mid thigh?

Adrenaline is most rapidly absorbed when the autoinjector is administered into the muscle of the outer mid thigh (compared to other parts of the body), as shown in the diagrams on the barrel of the device, the package insert, and the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.  Injecting adrenaline into the muscle of the outer mid thigh makes it extremely unlikely that damage to nerves and tendons will occur, or that it will be accidentally be injected into an artery or vein.  It is also the least painful part of the body to give an injection. Adrenaline autoinjectors can be administered through clothing, but not through more than one layer of clothing such as seams, pockets or the multiple layers of cargo pants. 

What needs to be done after using an adrenaline autoinjector?

An ambulance should be called immediately after using an adrenaline autoinjector to take the individual to hospital, so they can be given further treatment and remain under observation for at least 4 hours. The used adrenaline autoinjector should be placed in a rigid container, labelled clearly with the time it was given and then handed over to the ambulance. Transient (temporary) side effects of adrenaline such as increased heart rate, trembling and pallor are to be expected.

After using the adrenaline autoinjector should the individual be sitting, standing or lying down?

It is important to lay an individual with anaphylaxis flat to improve blood flow to the heart.  An upright position (standing) can lead to insufficient blood returning to the heart, a subsequent drop in blood pressure and increased risk of death.  If breathing is difficult, allow the individual to sit, but not stand.  If vomiting, lay the individual on their side in the recovery position.

When does an additional adrenaline autoinjector need to be used?

Further adrenaline doses may be given if there is no response 5 minutes after giving the previous dose.

Can adrenaline autoinjectors be re-used?

No.  Each adrenaline autoinjector releases one single dose of adrenaline once the device is triggered.

What precautions should be taken when using an adrenaline autoinjector?

There are no absolute contraindications (factors which make it unwise to give treatment) for use of an adrenaline autoinjector in an individual who is experiencing anaphylaxis.  However, it is important to follow the instructions and ensure that the needle end of the adrenaline autoinjector is on the individual's mid outer thigh and that you do not touch the needle after administration, to avoid needle stick injury.

Where should adrenaline autoinjectors be stored?

Adrenaline autoinjectors should be kept out of the reach of small children, however, they must be readily available when needed and not in a locked cupboard. An ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis should always be stored with an adrenaline autoinjector as the plan includes instructions on how to use the adrenaline autoinjector and the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. ASCIA Action Plans are available on the ASCIA website: Adrenaline autoinjectors, storage, expiry and disposal

At what temperature should adrenaline autoinjectors be stored?

Adrenaline is light and heat sensitive so adrenaline autoinjectors need to be stored in a cool dark place at room temperature, between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. This may be achieved by using an insulated wallet and these are available from Anaphylaxis Australia www.allergyfacts.org.au Adrenaline autoinjectors must not be refrigerated nor stored on ice as temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius may damage the autoinjector mechanism.  

When do adrenaline autoinjectors expire?

The shelf life of adrenaline autoinjectors is normally around 1-2 years from date of manufacture.  The expiry date on the side of the device needs to be marked on a calendar and the device must be replaced prior to this date.   Registration with Epiclub http://www.epiclub.com.au/ or Analert http://www.analert.com.au/ may be of assistance as they provide reminders about expiry dates.  Expired adrenaline autoinjectors are not as effective when used for treating anaphylaxis. However, a recently expired adrenaline autoinjector should be used in preference to not using one at all.

Who should be prescribed the "Junior" version of adrenaline autoinjector?

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Prescribing Guidelines recommends EpiPen^®Jr and Anapen^®Jr for children weighing 10-20kg and EpiPen^®  or Anapen^®  for adults and children weighing more than 20kg.

This recommendation is based on consensus and standard practice by ASCIA members and is published in the Australian Medicines Handbook and the National Prescribing Service information on adrenaline autoinjectors.  It is also consistent with recommendations from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) position statement   www.aaaai.org/media/resources/academy_statements/position_statements/ps34.asp

Are adrenaline autoinjectors available at a subsidised rate?

In Australia, adrenaline autoinjectors are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme  (PBS) for patients diagnosed to be at high risk of anaphylaxis.  The PBS listing as at 1 July 2010 is as follows:  Authority approvals are limited to a maximum quantity of 2 adrenaline autoinjectors (EpiPen^®  or Anapen^®) at any one time. Repeat approvals for PBS subsidised devices will not be issued unless the device is about to expire or is used.  In New Zealand adrenaline autoinjectors are not currently subsidised by Pharmac.

Note: EpiPen^® and Anapen^®  products have different administration techniques and only one brand should be prescribed per patient, with training on their use. It is also important to note that one brand cannot be substituted for the other by the pharmacist.

What documentation do I require to take an adrenaline autoinjector in my hand luggage on an airline flight?

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology (ASCIA) has developed a Travel Plan for people at risk of anaphylaxis which needs to be completed and signed by the individual's treating doctor and attached to the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. More information: ASCIA Travel Plan for people at risk of anaphylaxis

The patient support organisation Anaphylaxis Australia also has information on travelling with severe food allergies www.allergyfacts.org.au/livingwith.html#travelling

It is also prudent for individuals to carry their adrenaline autoinjector in a container which includes a pharmacy label (particularly if travelling in the USA) and to notify their travel agent, insurer and airline regarding their allergy and the need to carry an adrenaline autoinjector, in case additional documentation or preparation is required.

Are adrenaline autoinjectors available without a prescription?

Yes.  Adrenaline autoinjectors are available from pharmacies without a prescription at full retail price (not PBS subsidised).  If they are purchased directly from pharmacies without a prescription individuals should request training from the pharmacist on how to use the adrenaline autoinjector.

Can an adrenaline autoinjector be purchased for general use (e.g. for inclusion in a first aid kit)?

Some schools, childcare services, workplaces and restaurants choose to purchase an adrenaline autoinjector for general use, which serves as a back-up for the adrenaline autoinjectors prescribed for individuals.  These should not be used as a substitute for individuals at high risk of anaphylaxis having their own prescribed adrenaline autoinjector/s.  In most regions an adrenaline autoinjector for general use may be administered to individuals who appear to have anaphylaxis, but have not been previously diagnosed be at risk of anaphylaxis.  Advice and training from the local education and/or health authorities should be sought regarding adrenaline autoinjectors available for general use.   Further information about adrenaline autoinjectors for general use is available on the ASCIA website: Adrenaline autoinjectors for general use

Where can I obtain adrenaline autoinjector training devices?

Autoinjector trainer devices (which can be re-used for practice as they do not contain adrenaline and do not have needles) are available from pharmacies, the patient support organisation Anaphylaxis Australia (http://www.allergyfacts.org.au/) and the adrenaline autoinjector distributors in Australia and New Zealand:

• Alphapharm (EpiPen^®, EpiPen^®Jr) http://www.epiclub.com.au/
• Link Pharmaceuticals (Anapen^®, Anapen^®Jr) http://www.analert.com.au/

Where can I obtain information about training?

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology (ASCIA) is a professional medical society and does not conduct face to face anaphylaxis training. The ASCIA website (Anaphylaxis guidelines for schools and children's services) includes links to government and relevant patient organisation websites and most of these include information on how to access face to face training in different regions.

ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training for schools and childcare services is available on the ASCIA website http://www.allergy.org.au/ and can be completed by anyone, at no charge.  This training has been developed to be used where face to face anaphylaxis training is not available (or feasible), as a refresher, or for interim training whilst waiting for face to face training.

Other sources of information

Patient support organisations:

Anaphylaxis Australia http://www.allergyfacts.org.au/

Allergy New Zealand http://www.allergy.org.nz/

Adrenaline autoinjector distributors in Australia and New Zealand:

Alphapharm (EpiPen^®, EpiPen^®Jr) http://www.epiclub.com.au/

Link Pharmaceuticals (Anapen^®, Anapen^®Jr)  http://www.analert.com.au/

Content updated May 2011