Where to keep your adrenaline devices

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Always have at least one adrenaline (epinephrine) device available to the person at risk of anaphylaxis at all times. 

It is important to keep a copy of the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis with the adrenaline device. The action plan is a tool to help you recognise and treat anaphylaxis. Even if you are experienced in managing anaphylaxis, the action plan can be used by other people to help you should you not be able to treat the reaction yourself. 

When at home

• Keep the adrenaline devices in the same place whenever the person at risk of anaphylaxis is at home
• Choose a place that is easy to get to but safely out of reach of young children or people with developmental needs
• Consider hanging it in an insulated bag on a hook near the front door or leaving it on a bench or shelf in the kitchen or lounge room
• As well as keeping a copy of your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis with your adrenaline device, many people also like to keep a copy of their ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis on the fridge at home where it can be easily seen

The adrenaline device and ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis should be taken with the person when leaving the house and returned to that place when the person at risk of anaphylaxis returns home. 

Away from home 

When away from home, the adrenaline device and ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis must always be available to the person at risk of anaphylaxis. Accidental exposure to allergens are never planned so you need to always be prepared. 

Adrenaline injector devices (Anapen® and EpiPen®) should be kept: 

• At room temperature. Adrenaline injector devices should be stored between 15 and 25°C most of the time
• Out of direct light
• In an unlocked, easy to get to place (out of reach of small children)

Remember: Keep it where you would “keep” a person: 

• Do NOT store it in a car, as it will get too hot
• Do NOT store it in the fridge (as the cold can affect the mechanics of the injector device)
• If you know you are going to be out in the sun for an extended time on a hot day (for example, at the beach, camping or at a sporting event or when working outside) think about where to keep your adrenaline device: 
  • Try to keep it in the shade. 
  • A MedActiv bag or a Frio wallet can help maintain the adrenaline device at the correct temperature for up to 5 days 

Neffy® adrenaline nasal spray devices should be kept: 

• At room temperature below 25 degrees. Do not store in the fridge as there’s a risk it may accidentally freeze. If frozen, the device will not spray. Allow neffy® to thaw (defrost) for at least one hour at room temperature. It should not be used if the contents are still frozen or not completely thawed. Freezing does not affect its shelf life
• If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis and neffy® is frozen, use another adrenaline device if available. Do not wait for neffy® to thaw before treating anaphylaxis
• There are no special requirements to protect neffy® from direct sunlight. However, care should be taken to store neffy® where the temperature stays below 25 C 
• In an unlocked, easy to get to place (out of reach for small children) 
• If neffy® is accidentally exposed to temperatures up to 50 C for a short time, it can still be used. Please contact CSL Medical Information 1800 642 865 for further information 

Travel:

• When travelling on a plane, have at least 2 adrenaline devices with you in your carry-on luggage, along with your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. This carry-on luggage should be stored under the seat in front of you or in the seat pocket where it is easy to reach, rather than in the overhead locker.  Important: do not leave your adrenaline devices in the seat pocket when you leave the plane. 
• When at your destination and sightseeing, keep at least 2 adrenaline devices, along with your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis in your daypack. If travelling with others, consider keeping one adrenaline device and Action Plan in each daypack, in case the daypack gets lost. 

Find more information below about how to keep adrenaline devices at childcare, school or work.