It is very rare for something to go wrong with an adrenaline device. In an emergency where you are treating anaphylaxis, if the adrenaline device has not worked and you have another adrenaline device available, this should be used. Use the table below to check you are using an adrenaline device that is appropriate for the person’s age and weight. Call triple zero (000) for advice.
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 or Jext® Jnr). 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 (Anapen®) can be given if an injector containing 300 mcg of adrenaline is not available. If only an EpiPen® Jr (150 mcg) or Jext® Jnr (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) or Jext® Jnr (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 |
If you find that your adrenaline device has not worked when you have tried to give it, we recommend you report this once the emergency has been managed.
- Keep the device, take note of the serial number and expiry date, and take some photos of it
- Contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia on 1300 728 000 for support
- You may wish to report the problem yourself. You can do this through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) at Report a problem or side effect | TGA
- Contact the manufacturer at: