Summer 2009 - The Anaphylaxis Campaign will be reinforcing messages relating to "You and your adrenaline injector"

Throughout Summer 2009 The Anaphylaxis Campaign will be reinforcing messages relating to the treatement of severe allergic reactions.

Self-injectable adrenaline is available on prescription to those at risk. If you or your child carries adrenaline, there are key messages you must remember:

• Have your adrenaline with you at all times – no exceptions.

• Check the expiry date regularly. An out-of-date injector may offer some protection, but this will be limited.

• Get a health professional to show you how to use your injector. If you haven’t already been shown how, go back to the doctor who prescribed it and ask for a demonstration. Failing that, ask the practice nurse at your local GP surgery or the school nurse. Watch a video - click here

• Get hold of a “trainer” pen and practise regularly. See below for details on how to obtain one.

• If you suspect a reaction is serious or becoming serious, use your injector immediately – any delay could be extremely serious.

• Dial 999. After your adrenaline has been administered you will need to get to hospital because the symptoms can return in some cases and you may need further treatment.

• Remember that children need to go on to the adult dose when they weigh 30kgs. This is likely to be somewhere between 5-11 years old.

For more information about the EpiPen, including how to get a trainer pen, visit the EpiPen website: www.alk-lifeline.co.uk

EpiPen distributor: ALK Abelló, 2 Tealgate, Hungerford, Berks RG17 0YT. Tel 01488 686016. 

For more information about the Anapen visit: www.anapen.co.uk

Anapen distributor: Lincoln Medical Ltd, Unit 8, Wilton Business Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 0AH. Tel 01722 742900.