Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the emergency treatment for a severe reaction. Given promptly, adrenaline can treat the features of anaphylaxis by acting on adrenoceptors. As an alpha-receptor agonist, it reverses vasodilatation and reduces oedema. As a beta-receptor, it dilates the airways, increases the force of myocardial contraction, and suppresses further histamine and leukotriene release.
There are three alternative injection kits prescribed to patients, EpiPen, Jext and Emerade.
EpiPen has a spring-loaded concealed needle that delivers a single measured dose when the pen is jabbed against the muscle of the outer thigh. Distributor: Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Skyway House, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6PU. Tel 0845 460 0000.
Jext is a single-use adrenaline auto-injector. it has a locking needle shield which engages after use, designed to protect against accidental needle stick injury. Distributor: ALK-Abelló Ltd, 1 Manor Park, Manor Farm Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0NA. Tel: 0118 903 7940.
Emerade is a pre-filled syringe encased in an auto-injector. It delivers a single dose of adrenaline when pressed against the muscle of the outer thigh. Distributor: Bausch + Lomb UK Limited 106-114 London Road Kingston upon Thames KT2 6TN United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)208 781 0001 emerade.uk@bausch.com
Unwanted effects are rare when appropriate doses of adrenaline are given by intramuscular injection. However, the doctor should consider all co-existing medical conditions and check for potential interactions. For example, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors may hinder treatment.
EpiPen
EpiPen delivers a 300mcg dose in adults and children weighing over 25kg. Junior versions deliver a 150mcg dose for infants and children who weigh between 7.5kg and 25kg.
Jext
Jext delivers a 300mcg dose in adults and children weighing over 30kg. Junior versions deliver a 150mcg dose for people who weigh between 15kg and 30kg.
Emerade
Children between 15 kg and 30 kg — Emerade 150mcg
Patients over 30 kg — Emerade 300mcg or Emerade 500mcg
Children weighing less than 15kg may be prescribed an injector at the prescriber’s discretion.
* Emerade 150mcg is currently unavailable *
Prescribing review
Adrenaline injectors have expiry dates and may be less effective after that date. Therefore it is helpful to do a regular audit of prescribed adrenaline to identify those patients whose last prescription was more than two years ago.
The MHRA have produced an updated to emphasise the importance of checking the expiry date of adrenaline auto-injectors and obtaining replacements before they expire which can be downloaded here
If the patient is switched from one device to another, this could cause confusion and so careful retraining will be necessary.
Trainer pens and an expiry alert service are available from the manufacturer’s websites. Please see our Patient Training Page for further details and links.
There is evidence that the risks are reduced if the patient receives expert advice and assessment in a specialist allergy clinic and participates in an agreed management plan. Where this happens, fewer patients have further reactions and when these do occur, they are mostly mild. Importantly, the patient should be educated on measures to avoid the allergen in the future. Furthermore, dietician involvement in food anaphylaxis is imperative in formulating the action plan.An Allergy Management Plan
Families and carers, including school staff, must be competent to recognise when an allergic reaction has started and how to administer adrenaline. Follow-up is important to ensure regular re-training and assessment of allergy status.
The presence of asthma in a patient with allergy must be considered a significant risk factor. Therefore regular assessment of the patient’s asthma control is vital, with appropriate action to ensure control is achieved and maintained. This would include adjustment of medication dose, or addition of medication, or a change in inhaler device. An asthma action plan should be agreed between the patient and their doctor. There is evidence that these improve asthma control, reduce exacerbations and hospital admissions.
Prescribing medicines for patients with allergies
When prescribing medicines for people with food allergies, doctors are advised to check the ingredients and excipients to ensure the food allergens they react to are not present.
Example of implementation of care for people with anaphylaxis:
The RCPCH Allergy care-pathway for anaphylaxis provides a resource for local implementation of care by a multidisciplinary team. This is focused on creating networks between staff in primary and community health care, social care, education and hospital-based practice to improve services for children with allergic conditions. Visit the RCPCH’s website.
The BSACI has produced Allergy Action Plans for children at risk of anaphylaxis. These plans have been designed to facilitate first aid treatment.There are 4 plans available. Plans can be completed electronically (and then printed and saved), or filled in by hand.