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new information December 2004: New instructions for administering the EpiPen have been approved by the Government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The original instructions provided on the label tell the user to remove the grey safety cap, place the black tip against the thigh and press hard until the auto-injector mechanism functions. The new instructions tell the user to remove the grey safety cap and then "jab firmly" into the muscle in the thigh. After the EpiPen fires, the injector is then held against the thigh for ten seconds. The way the EpiPen is held – in the fist – does not change. The manufacturers this new method is easier to learn and remember, and there is also less chance of anyone failing to exert enough pressure. There will be a period of time during which there is an overlap. This is because the EpiPen has a "shelf life" of up to two years and for some time there are bound to be EpiPens in circulation that carry the old instructions, as well as those carrying the new instructions. If you have an EpiPen bearing the old instructions, we advise you to continue to follow these instructions for now – unless otherwise directed by your GP or consultant. This is still, and always was, a perfectly effective and safe way of administering the EpiPen. If you have two EpiPens – one carrying the old instructions and the other the new – stick with the method you are accustomed to using until your training can be updated. If your child carries an EpiPen with the old instructions, and another child at school has one with the new instructions, advise the school to follow the management plan for each specific individual child. Don’t get too concerned about this. Both methods of administering the injection are safe and effective. Our revised training video, "Action for Anaphylaxis", shows a demonstration of the new jab method. But we advise you to contact your local surgery or your allergy consultant and discuss getting some hands-on training. Buy a trainer pen from ALK-Abello and practice regularly (tel: 01488 686016). To buy our video call: 01252 373793. Visit the EpiPen website at www.epipen.co.uk Back to Top |
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