Using an adrenaline device FAQ

Adrenaline injectors (EpiPen®, Anapen®) are injected into the thigh muscle. There is no evidence that injecting the second dose of adrenaline into the same thigh muscle as the first dose is a problem. The most important thing is to follow the ASCIA Action Plan and give another dose of adrenaline after 5 minutes if there is no response. 

The adrenaline nasal spray, neffy®, is sprayed into the nostril. If a second dose is needed after 5 minutes, it is better to spray into the same nostril as absorption will be better. If, however, you spray the second dose into the other nostril, neffy® will still work.  

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 above to check you are using an adrenaline device that is appropriate for the person’s age and weight. Call triple zero (000) for advice. 

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: 
  • Anapen® – Arrotex 1800 195 055 
  • EpiPen® – Viatris 1800 931 625 
  • neffy® – CSL Seqirus 1800 008 275 

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. 

Adrenaline injectors Anapen® and EpiPen® both have windows on the devices to check to see what the fluid (adrenaline) inside the injector looks like.   

The adrenaline nasal device neffy® does not have a window to check colour of the fluid.  

Check the colour of the fluid in the adrenaline injector when it is not an emergency, for example, check the fluid when you check the device expiry. A&AA recommends you routinely check your device to make sure it is still clear and not discoloured and has not expired.  

Adrenaline injectors with discoloured adrenaline or expired adrenaline devices do not work as well and should not be relied on to treat anaphylaxis. However, the most recently expired adrenaline device available should be used if there is no in-date device 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 are hopeful 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:

Nasal spray device

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. 

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