How do I know which adrenaline injector is right for my child?

Your doctor/nurse practitioner will prescribe the correct dose adrenaline injector based on the person’s weight.

Dose recommendations are also written on the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis so they are easy to find in an emergency.

The type of adrenaline injector prescribed is based on a medical decision by the doctor as well as the patient/carer preference. Considerations may include the weight of the patient, history of anaphylaxis and the training on a new device.  

It is very important that you know how to use the type of device prescribed, especially if it is different to one you have used in the past.

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.