EpiPen Adrenaline Auto-Injector - 0.3mg (Adult)

EpiPen Adrenaline Auto-Injector 0.3mg

What is EpiPen and what is it used for?

EpiPen Adrenaline Auto-Injectors are automatic injection devices containing adrenaline for allergic emergencies.

EpiPen contains a sterile solution of adrenaline for emergency injection into the outer part of the thigh muscle (intramuscular injection).

EpiPen is to be used for the emergency treatment of sudden life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) to insect stings or bites, foods or drugs or exercise. The reaction is the result of the body trying to protect itself from the allergen (the foreign substance that causes the allergy) by releasing chemicals into the blood stream. Sometimes the cause of the allergic reaction is not known.

What are the symptoms of anaphylactic shock?

Symptoms that signal the onset of an anaphylactic shock occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen and include: itching of the skin; raised rash (like a nettle rash); flushing; swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet; wheezing; hoarseness; shortness of breath; nausea; vomiting; stomach cramps and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

How does EpiPen help?

The medicine in EpiPen is adrenaline which is an adrenergic drug. It works directly on the cardiovascular (heart and circulation) system and respiratory (lung) system, to stop the possible fatal effects of anaphylactic shock by very quickly making the blood vessels smaller, relaxing muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, reducing swelling and increase heart rate.

The EpiPen is intended for immediate self-administration by a person with a history or recognised risk of going into anaphylactic shock. If you are at risk, you should always keep your EpiPen with you. It is designed as an emergency rescue therapy but you must get medical attention as soon as possible after its use.

When should you not be given EpiPen?

• if you are allergic to adrenaline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Warnings and precautions

Adrenaline is essential for the treatment of anaphylaxis. However, take special care with EpiPen:

• If you have heart disease as it may affect the medicines that you are taking and may bring on an attack of chest pain (angina).
• If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you are elderly, pregnant or the child weighs less than 25 kg (3 stone 13 lbs) as there is a greater risk of getting side effects.
• If you have increased pressure in your eye(s) (glaucoma).
• If you have severe kidney problems.
• If you have a tumour in your prostate.
• If you have high calcium levels or a low potassium level in your blood.
• If you have Parkinson’s disease.

Make sure you have discussed with your doctor if any of these apply to you.

Anyone in the position to administer EpiPen, including patients with these conditions, should be clear on how and when to use EpiPen.

What does EpiPen contain?

The active substance in EpiPen is adrenaline 0.3 mg (300 microgram).

The other ingredients are: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Metabisulphite (E223), Hydrochloric Acid, Water for Injections.

What does EpiPen look like?

Clear and colourless solution in a pre-filled pen (Auto-injector).

The Auto-injector (single-dose) contains 2 ml solution for injection. Each auto-injector delivers one single dose (0.3 ml) of adrenaline.

The EpiPen® exposed needle length is approximately 15 mm.

How to store EpiPen

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25 °C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Keep container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. When exposed to air or light, adrenaline deteriorates rapidly and will become pink or brown.

Check the contents of the glass cartridge in the EpiPen Auto-injector from time to time to make sure the liquid is still clear and colourless.

Do not use this medicine if you notice that the liquid is unclear, coloured or contains solid particles.

Replace the EpiPen Auto-injector by the expiry date or earlier if the solution is discoloured or contains a precipitate (solid particles).

Emergency treatment of acute anaphylaxis (for self-administration at the first signs of anaphylaxis)

Carefully read the pack leaflet before using the medicine.

For EpiPen® Auto-injector 0.3mg by intramuscular injection¹

Child (body-weight 25 kg and above)

300 micrograms, then 300 micrograms after 5 minutes as required.

Adult

300 micrograms, then 300 micrograms after 5 minutes as required.

How to use an EpiPen

Remove the EpiPen® from the carry case. Lie down and raise your legs. Sit up if you are struggling to breathe but don’t change position suddenly.

Lie down again as soon as you can. Stay lying down even if you are feeling better. You must not stand up even if someone encourages you to.

1. Pull off Blue Safety Cap. Grasp the EpiPen in dominant hand, with thumb nearest blue cap and form fist around the EpiPen and pull off the blue safety cap. Remember: “Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh”.
2. Position Orange Tip. Hold the EpiPen at a distance of approximately 10cm away from the outer thigh. The orange tip should point towards the outer thigh.
3. Jab Orange Tip. Jab the EpiPen firmly into the outer thigh at a right angle (90º angle). Hold firmly against thigh for 3 seconds.
4. Dial 999, ask for an ambulance and state anaphylaxis. Stay lying down and have someone stay with you until you have been assessed by a paramedic. Unconscious patients should be placed in the recovery position.

Each EpiPen can only be used once. If symptoms don’t improve, you should administer a second EpiPen after 5 minutes.

Contents

• 1 x 0.3mg (adult) EpiPen Adrenaline Auto-Injector

References and useful links for more information on EpiPen and Adrenaline (epinephrine):

• 1 - BNF prescribing and dispensing information.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/adrenaline-epinephrine/
• NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/
• EpiPen Website - EpiPen Instructions: https://www.epipen.co.uk/en-gb/patients/your-epipen/how-to-use-your-epipen
• Report an issue with a medicine to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/