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What is EpiPen®?
EpiPen® is an adrenaline injector device which contains the medication adrenaline (epinephrine).
ADRENALINE IS LIFE SAVING medication for someone experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Adrenaline is the first line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Adrenaline devices are designed to be used by anyone in an emergency.
Adrenaline is a natural hormone made by our bodies but in anaphylaxis, our body cannot make and release enough adrenaline to reverse the potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. For this reason, we need to give more adrenaline through a device such as EpiPen®.
An EpiPen® contains one dose of adrenaline.
What doses are available for EpiPen®?
The dose of EpiPen® is worked out by weight. Weight guidelines for adrenaline devices can be found on the bottom of the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
Babies and children 7.5 – 20kg
EpiPen® Jr 150mcg
Children and adults over 20kg
EpiPen® 300mcg
How is EpiPen® packaged?
Each EpiPen® you receive from the pharmacy will be in a cardboard box. Each cardboard box contains one EpiPen®. If you buy two EpiPen®s, you will get two boxes.
Inside the box is a clear hard plastic case which contains the EpiPen®. The clear case has a yellow lid for an EpiPen® and a green lid for an EpiPen®Jr. Keep your EpiPen® in the case until you need to use it.
To remove the EpiPen® from the case, flip the green or yellow lid up and slide the EpiPen® out. Once the EpiPen® has been removed from the case it is ready to be used.
What does EpiPen® look like?
On the EpiPen® you will see:
- The label on EpiPen® is yellow and on EpiPen® Jr is green
- Instructions for use
- An expiry date
- A viewing window to check if the solution inside is still clear. If the solution becomes dark, cloudy or has specks floating in it, the EpiPen® should be replaced. However, if this is the only device available it should be used
After the EpiPen® has been used, the needle shield extends over the needle, and the viewing window turns black.
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.
How to give EpiPen®
- on the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis for EpiPen®
- on the EpiPen®
- via QR code on the ASCIA Action Plan/First Aid Plan which takes you to the ASCIA website where there are instructions on how to use EpiPen®
Form fist around EpiPen® and PULL OFF BLUE SAFETY RELEASE
Hold leg still and PLACE ORANGE END against outer mid-thigh (with or without clothing)
PUSH DOWN HARD until a click is heard or felt and hold for 3 seconds REMOVE EpiPen®
EpiPen® is given into 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 device can be given through clothing.
Remember: hold the leg still if you are giving an adrenaline device to someone else as they may move unexpectantly.
How to store an EpiPen®
EpiPen®s should be stored or kept:
At room temperature between 15 and 25°C most of the time. Do not store in the fridge. Do not freeze.
Out of direct light
In an unlocked, easy to get to place (out of reach of small children)
EpiPen® expiry dates
EpiPen® usually expire 12 to 18 months from when it is made overseas.
The expiry date can be found on the EpiPen® box and on the EpiPen®
Expired EpiPen®s do not work as well as in-date devices and should not be relied on to treat anaphylaxis. However, an expired EpiPen® but should still be given if itis the only adrenaline device available.
Make a note of when your EpiPen®s are due to expire and book an appointment for a new prescription with your health professional .
If you use your EpiPen® make sure you replace it as soon as possible
EpiPen® Trainer devices
It is important to know how to give an EpiPen® in an emergency. Using an EpiPen® trainer is a great way to do this. The EpiPen® trainer contains no needle or medication and can be reused (unlike the actual EpiPen® used in an emergency which contains only one dose of adrenaline and cannot be reused).
If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, practising with them could help you think about how you may need to hold them if you had to give EpiPen® in an emergency. It may also help the child understand what would happen if they had anaphylaxis.
It is important to store the EpiPen® trainer away from the real EpiPen® . You can mark the EpiPen® trainer with tape or a sticker to highlight that it is not the real EpiPen® containing adrenaline and a needle.
To reset the EpiPen® trainer after practising, first replace the blue safety cap. Then place the orange tip on a hard surface, squeeze the sides of the orange tip and push down.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Using an adrenaline device FAQ
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia answers common questions about using an adrenaline (epinephrine) devices such as Anapen® or EpiPen®.
Buying an adrenaline device FAQ
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia answers common questions about buying an adrenaline (epinephrine) device such as Anapen® or EpiPen®.
Learn more about adrenaline and adrenaline device
Adrenaline devices
Learn about how adrenaline works and how to store and use adrenaline devices like Anapen® and EpiPen®.
Anapen®
Learn about Anapen®, how adrenaline works, how to use Anapen® and more.
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.