Allergy Capitalmast cell

Using the EpiPen Autoinjector device (adrenaline, epinephrine) to treat severe allergies - a pictorial guide

Epipen
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a natural hormone released in response to stress. It is a natural "antidote" to the chemicals released during severe allergic reactions triggered by drug allergy, food allergy or insect allergy. It is destroyed by enzymes in the stomach, and so needs to be injected. When injected, it rapidly reverses the effects of a severe allergic reaction by reducing throat swelling, opening the airways, and maintaining blood pressure.

Use of adrenaline for treating anaphylaxis is First Aid.

Revised 22 October 2005

IMPORTANT The information provided is of a general nature and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. If you think you may suffer from an allergic or other disease that requires attention, you should discuss it with your family doctor.
Adrenaline

 

 

 

Intact (top) and dismantled EpiPen (below) to show the spring, needle and syringe that is enclosed within the device.

 

 

New Epipen Packaging (October 2005)

adrenaline

Remove the device from the plastic protective container.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

epinephrine

Remove the grey cap from the fatter end of the device.

NB: This "arms the unit" ready for use

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epipen

Hold the EpiPen in your fist with clenched fingers wrapped around it

(NB: there is nothing to "push" at the white end)

Press the black tip gently against the skin of the mid thigh, then start to push harder until a loud "click" is heard. This means that the device has been activated.

Hold in place for 10-15 seconds (count "1 elephant, 2 elephants, 10 elephants etc") while the adrenaline is injected under pressure.

NB: The EpiPen "pop" is often quite loud.

 

 

anaphylaxis

Remove the pen from the thigh; be careful with the needle that will now be projecting from the EpiPen when you dispose of the device.

Massage in the adrenalin. There may be some slight bleeding at the injection site.

Apply firm pressure with a cloth, tissue, clean handkerchief or bandage.

Record the time that the EpiPen was given.

Call for help.

 

DISPOSE of the used EpiPen carefully into a sharps container, and hand to ambulance officers with a copy of the Emergency Action Plan when they arrive.

 

There are a number of common mistakes when using EpiPen.

Click HERE to view an illustrated guide of what NOT to do!!

You can also register with CSL Australia to be reminded about whe your EpiPen is due to expire. Visit "EpiClub"

References