Change to instructions on Anapen® administration

Anapen® has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to change the administration advice to hold the Anapen in place on the thigh for 3 seconds NOT 10 seconds. 

Research has shown that 3 seconds is long enough for the adrenaline to get into the leg.

The devices will not change, just the instructions on the label. 

Anapen devices with the 3 second label should start to be in pharmacies in Australia from January 2023 onwards.

Anapen devices with a 10 second label can continue to be used and injected for 3 seconds.

If the Anapen is held in place for 10 seconds, it will not affect the way that the adrenaline works. 

How to administer the Anapen:
White end on leg; press thumb on red. 

1. Pull off black needle shield (a grey needle cap will also come off with the black needle shield)

2. Pull off grey safety cap from red button

3. Place needle end firmly against outer mid-thigh at 90° angle

4. Press red button so it clicks. Hold for 3 seconds. Remove the Anapen.

ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis have been updated to reflect the above changes as have other ASCIA resources at www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis  

A&AA will be updating our animation of the our administration of Anapen® and the new film will be added here (as well as elsewhere in our website) when available.

 

Content created September 2022