National Allergy Helpline
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Can a different dose or brand be given to a person having anaphylaxis if the prescribed adrenaline device is not available?

Currently, the only adrenaline injector available in Australia is EpiPen® and EpiPen®Jnr.  

Anapen® 500 is unavailable and Anapen® 150 and 300 have been discontinued. 

From February 2026 neffy® 1mg and 2mg devices will be available on private prescription only. We anticipate they will become available on PBS prescription and over the counter in the future. 

If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, an adrenaline device (injector or nasal spray) should be given. 

If the prescribed dosage or brand of adrenaline device is not available, any available adrenaline device should still be given using the following dosing guide. This includes any brand (Anapen® or EpiPen® or neffy®). 

Injector devices:

In children 7.5kg–20kg 
(around 1–5 years of age) 
An adrenaline injector containing 150 mcg of adrenaline should be used (EpiPen® Jr). However, if only a higher dose injector is available (containing 300 mcg) this should be used rather than not using one at all. 
In children over 20kg 
(aged around 5 years or over) 
A device containing 300 mcg of adrenaline should be used. However, a 500 mcg device can be given if an injector containing 300 mcg of adrenaline is not available. If only an EpiPen® Jr (150 mcg) is available, this should be used rather than not using one at all. 
In children and adults over 50kg A device containing either 300 mcg (EpiPen®) OR a device containing 500 mcg (Anapen®) should be used. However, if only an EpiPen® Jr (150 mcg) is available, this should be used rather than not using one at all. 

Nasal spray device

In children 4 years and older 
Weighing 15kg to less than 30 kg 
neffy® 1mg 
In children and adults 
Weighing 30 kg and over 
neffy® 2mg 

The below table shows the adrenaline device options available in Australia depending on the weight of the person. Your doctor or allergy specialist will discuss the most appropriate adrenaline device for you. 

7.5 – 15kg 

EpiPen® Jr 150mcg 

15-20kg 

 EpiPen® Jr 150mcg 

neffy® 1mg 

(Must be 4 years and over for neffy®)

20-30kg 

EpiPen® 300mcg 

neffy® 1mg 

(Must be 4 years and over for neffy®

30kg and over

EpiPen® 300mcg 

neffy® 2mg 

50kg and over

Anapen® 500 mcg  

EpiPen® 300mcg 

neffy® 2mg 

More detailed information can be found at ASCIA’s Frequently Asked Questions on Adrenaline Devices.