Adrenaline Injectors - Key Messages

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 An out-of-date injector may offer some protection, but this will be limited.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, to register for the expiry alert service and 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 and to register for the expiry alert service visit: www.anapen.co.uk

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

New Higher Dose Anapen now available

A new higher dose Anapen - 0.5mg is now available. Anapen 500 is available from pharmacies throughout the UK.