Anapen®, one of two brands of adrenaline injectors available in Australia, has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to change the administration advice to hold the Anapen in place on the thigh for 3 seconds NOT 10 seconds.  This is the same amount of time that EpiPen® should be held in place for. Research has shown that 3 seconds is long enough for the adrenaline to get into the leg.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia is working on updating our relevant resources to reflect this change. 

How to administer the Anapen: White end on leg; press thumb on red. 

1. Pull off black needle shield (a grey needle cap will also come off with the black needle shield)
2. Pull off grey safety cap from red button
3. Place needle end firmly against outer mid-thigh at 90° angle
4. Press red button so it clicks. Hold for 3 seconds. Remove the Anapen.

The label on the Anapen has instructions on how to use it. If you have been prescribed Anapen®, make sure your doctor has given you an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis that is specific for Anapen. Anapen devices with the 3 second label should start to be in pharmacies in Australia from January 2023 onwards. Anapen devices with a 10 second label can continue to be used and injected for 3 seconds. If the Anapen is held in place for 10 seconds, it will not affect the way that the adrenaline works. 

Anapen devices should not be replaced unless they have been used, are just about to expire or have expired.