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ADRENALINE (EPINEPHRINE) IS LIFE SAVING medication for someone experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
An adrenaline injector is a device containing one dose of adrenaline.
Adrenaline is the first line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Adrenaline injectors are designed to be used by anyone in an emergency.
What does adrenaline do?
Adrenaline works quickly to reverse what is happening in the body during a severe allergic reaction.
It increases blood pressure:
- Tightens blood vessels and reduces fluid leaking out of them
- Makes the heart beat stronger and faster
It makes breathing easier:
- Opens the airways
How adrenaline works during anaphylaxis
Dr Paxton Loke – Paediatric Allergist and Immunologist from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and Melbourne Allergy Centre and Children’s Specialists Medical Group
Brands and doses of adrenaline injectors
There are two different brands of adrenaline injector available in Australia – Anapen® and EpiPen®.
The dose of the adrenaline injector is worked out by weight. Weight guidelines for adrenaline injectors can also be found on the bottom left-hand corner of ASCIA Action Plans.
Babies and children 7.5 – 20kg
EpiPen® Jr 150mcg
Children and adults over 20kg
EpiPen® 300mcg
Older children and adults over 50kg
EpiPen® 300mcg
Anapen® 500mcg
If you are over 50kg, it is important to discuss which adrenaline injector is right for you with your doctor.
- Anapen® Junior 150 and Anapen® 300 are no longer available in Australia but you might still come across some that have not expired yet or are out of date
- Anapen® 300 has not been available since the end of July 2024.
- Anapen® Junior 150 has not been available since the end of September 2024.
What do adrenaline injectors look like?
Anapen®
- Below shows what the Anapen® looks like before use, after use and the case.
- The Anapen® does not come with a case. However you can ask your pharmacist to give you one when you get your Anapen®.
- Used Anapen® devices will fit in the case. When used, the needle is exposed and there is a risk of needle stick injury. Carefully place the Anapen® back into the Anapen® case once it has been used.
Anapen® before it has been used.
Anapen® after it has been used. Note the needle is exposed.
An empty Anapen® case.
The case containing an Anapen®.
EpiPen®
- Below shows what the EpiPen® looks like before use, after use and the case.
- The EpiPen® comes with a case with either a green or yellow lid.
- Used EpiPen® devices will not fit in the case. When used, the needle is covered by the extended orange needle shield so there is no risk of needle stick injury.
EpiPen® before it has been used.
EpiPen® after it has been used. Note the needle is not exposed.
EpiPen® Jr (150 mcg) has a green label and a green case lid.
EpiPen® (300 mcg) has a yellow label and a yellow case lid.
Adrenaline injectors are given in the outer mid thigh
There is a large muscle in the outer mid-thigh. Injecting adrenaline into this muscle helps get the adrenaline to the rest of the body quickly. The adrenaline injector can be given through clothing.
Remember: hold the leg still if you are giving an adrenaline injector to someone else as they may move unexpectantly.
How to give adrenaline injectors
How to give an Anapen®
Remember: White end on leg, press thumb on red
How to give an EpiPen®
Remember: Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh
Anapen® instructions
EpiPen® instructions
Remember, each adrenaline injector has instructions on the label of the device itself.
See our FAQs for using adrenaline injectors for more information.
Adrenaline injector training devices
It is important to practice giving an adrenaline injector. Using a training device is a great way to do this. It contains no needle or medication and can be reused.
If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, practicing with them can help you think about how you may need to hold them if you had to give the adrenaline injector. It may also help the child understand what would happen if they had anaphylaxis.
It is important to store you training device away for the real adrenaline injectors. You may wish to mark the training device with tape or a sticker to highlight that it is not the real thing.
You can buy Adrenaline Injector training devices from our online shop.
Anapen® Trainer Device
EpiPen® Trainer Device
Where to keep your adrenaline injectors
It’s important to store adrenaline injectors correctly, and to ensure adrenaline injector and ASCIA Action Plan are always with the person at risk of anaphylaxis.
Expiry dates
- Adrenaline injectors usually expire after 12 to 18 months.
- Expired adrenaline injectors are not as effective at treating anaphylaxis (but should still be given if it is the only adrenaline injector available).
- Make a note of when your adrenaline injectors are due to expire and book an appointment for a new prescription with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
See our FAQs for buying adrenaline injectors for more information.
Additional reading
Adrenaline injector resources from ASCIA (the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy):
- ASCIA Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Injectors – Fast Facts
- ASCIA Adrenaline Injector FAQs
- ASCIA Adrenaline Injectors for general use
Related information
Preparing for an emergency
Learn more about preparing for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and what to expect if you or a loved one experiences anaphylaxis.