Adrenaline injectors
Used and unused (and expired) adrenaline injectors contain a needle that can be dangerous if not handled carefully. They should never be thrown in the regular or recycling bin.
- Unused, expired adrenaline injectors should be taken to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Used adrenaline injectors should be safely disposed of in a sharps container. They can be given to ambulance or hospital staff so the dose given can be recorded before putting in a sharps container.
When EpiPen® has been used, the orange needle shield extends to cover the needle.
When Anapen® has been used, the needle is exposed and there is a risk of needle stick injury (accidentally pricking yourself or someone else with the needle). Information about how to safely store the Anapen® until it can be given to ambulance paramedics or hospital staff can be found on our Anapen® webpage.
Adrenaline nasal spray
- Unused, expired neffy® should be taken to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not put in the rubbish bin as it contains adrenaline
- Used neffy® should be given to the ambulance or hospital staff so they can record the dose given. It can then be put in the rubbish bin. Do not recycle.
RUM is the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines (also known as the RUM Project), which some pharmacies will use to dispose of medicines.