Winter care for your adrenaline auto-injectors

As we get deeper into the winter months and the weather turns even colder, it’s important to be proactive to protect your adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) from freezing temperatures. AAIs should go everywhere with you at all times, so knowing how to store them when you’re outside for winter activities is key.

Always follow the official instructions for storage that come with your AAIs. These are:

EpiPen®
Adrenaline is sensitive to light and can be damaged by high or low temperatures. Do not store your EpiPen® above 25°C and do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep the EpiPen® container in the outer carton to protect from light.

Jext®
Jext® should be stored within the flip-top case provided. Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.

Why is it important to prevent AAIs from freezing?

It used to be thought that exposing AAIs to freezing temperatures might compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the adrenaline in your devices, meaning it might not work as well as it should if you need it in an emergency. Recent studies have shown that this might not be the case if your AAI is accidentally frozen for a short time, but you should still take care to avoid this.
If kept below freezing for some time, the liquid adrenaline could become solid, meaning your AAI won’t work when you need it. It’s possible that freezing could also lead to cracks in the glass syringe containing the adrenaline.

If you know you have accidently frozen your AAIs it’s best to replace them as soon as possible.

Top tips to prevent your AAIs from freezing during winter

1. Keep them close. You can carry your AAIs in a way that keeps them closer to your body heat, such as an inner pocket of clothing or inside a waist pouch. AAIs shouldn’t be warmed above 25 degrees Celsius, but a pocket between your base and outer layers in a cold environment is likely to be just right. Use common sense and if you’re very active and get very hot, move them out a layer or two.
2. Protect from extreme cold. Avoid leaving your AAIs in vehicles, as temperatures inside a car can fluctuate drastically, leading to freezing or overheating. Keep them at room temperature whenever possible.
3. Use an insulated carrier. Invest in an insulated carrier specifically designed for adrenaline auto-injectors. These carriers help regulate the temperature and shield the devices from extreme cold.
4. Educate others. Let your friends and family know about the importance of protecting AAIs from freezing temperatures so they can help you find suitable solutions for every scenario.
5. Replace expired AAIs. Check the expiry date of your AAIs and request replacements a month before they are due to expire. You can register your AAIs to receive an expiry alert at both www.epipen.co.uk and www.jext.co.uk

Carrying adrenaline and managing a serious allergy doesn’t need to hold you back from enjoying the magic of winter activities. Get outside and enjoy every moment knowing you’re fully prepared!