| Q. |
What is EpiPen /EpiPen Jr? |
| A. |
EpiPen Auto-Injector is a disposable, automated drug delivery system featuring a concealed needle. It is designed for self-administration of adrenaline in acute allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). It provides a rapid, single dose of adrenaline to individuals experiencing potentially life threatening anaphylaxis. |
| Q. |
How does adrenaline work? |
| A. |
Adrenaline is the drug of choice and is the first line treatment of anaphylaxis because it works quickly to reverse the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction. Adrenaline constricts blood vessels causing a rise in blood pressure, relaxes smooth muscle in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulates the heart beat and reduces swelling around the face and lips. |
| Q. |
How should I use EpiPen/EpiPen Jr? |
| A. |
The recommended site for intra-muscular (IM) injection of adrenaline is the anterolateral (upper and outside) aspect of the thigh.1
LINK TO VIDEO DEMO
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| Q. |
How will I know that my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. has worked and that I have received my medication? |
| A. |
When the EpiPen Auto-Injector mechanism activates to deliver the medication a distinct “click” will be heard and the needle will be left exposed. A significant proportion of the medication will remain in the Auto-Injector, this is perfectly normal and the remaining medication cannot be re-used. |
| Q. |
Can EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. be used through clothing? |
| A. |
The purpose of EpiPen Auto-Injector is to ensure that you get an emergency dose of adrenaline quickly when you need it. For this very reason, the EpiPen Auto-Injector is specifically designed to reliably operate through clothing. |
| Q. |
After using EpiPen / EpiPen Jr. What should I do? |
| A. |
EpiPen Auto-Injector should be considered first aid and you should always seek medical attention after using an EpiPen. After injection with an EpiPen Auto-Injector dial 112 or 999 or get someone else to do so. NB: Pass the used EpiPen to a Healthcare Professional when you seek medical assistance at either a surgery or hospital. Remember to get replacement adrenaline Auto-Injector. |
| Q. |
How do I dispose of an out-of-date EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. which has not been used |
| A. |
You should contact you local Primary Care Trust who will be able to advise you of how to dispose of an out of date EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. |
| Q. |
How do I use my EpiPen Training Device? |
| A. |
Your EpiPen Trainer works in exactly the same way as an EpiPen although there is no adrenaline and no needle in the Trainer Pen
LINK TO VIDEO DEMO
LINK TO ORDER A FREE TRAINER PEN
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| Q. |
Do I need to carry a second EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. and when should I use it? |
| A. |
According to guidelines produced by The Resuscitation Council (UK)1 if there is no improvement in the patient’s condition a further dose of adrenaline can be given at a 5-minute interval according to the patient’s response. |
| Q. |
How can I obtain an EpiPen Training Device? |
| A. |
An EpiPen Trainer is exactly the same as your EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. except that it has no adrenaline and no needle. It operates in exactly the same manner as an EpiPen and can be used to teach your self and others to be confident in the use of an EpiPen in an emergency. The EpiPen training device is pale blue in colour to differentiate it from EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. You can now get a free Trainer Pen by registering for the Expiry Alert service.
LINK TO EXPIRY ALERT SERVICE |
| Q. |
Why is EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. available in different strengths? |
| A. |
EpiPen is for all patients over 30kg and delivers 0.3mg of adrenaline. EpiPen Jr. is for children 15-30kg and delivers 0.15mg of adrenaline. |
| Q. |
What should I tell friends and colleagues? |
| A. |
Make sure that you tell friends and colleagues what to do if you were to experience an anaphylactic shock. They should know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to administer your EpiPen if required. An EpiPen Training Device may be of assistance in teaching others who may be available to help in the case of you experiencing anaphylaxis. |
| Q. |
Where does the technology for the EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. come from? |
| A. |
The EpiPen Auto-Injector was designed to provide a simple, quick self-injection of adrenaline during an acute allergic reaction. |
| Q. |
There is an "air" bubble in my EpiPen, is it still OK to use? |
| A. |
The bubble is in fact nitrogen and is perfectly normal to find in EpiPen. You can confidently use your EpiPen as the bubble will not affect either the medication or the mechanism. |
| Q. |
When should I use my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr.? |
| A. |
Symptoms that signal the onset of an anaphylactic reaction, include itching of the skin, a raised rash (like a nettle rash), swelling of lips, tongue and throat, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fall in blood pressure and in some cases loss of consciousness. If you experience any of the above symptoms and think you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, use your EpiPen Auto-Injector immediately and dial the emergency services.
LINK TO RECOGNISING A REACTION |
| Q. |
How can I remember to replace my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. when it is due to expire? |
| A. |
A convenient way of ensuring that you replace your EpiPen prior to the expiry date is to register with the EpiPen Expiry Alert service. This can be done online (See link below) or by using the form attached to the patient information leaflet that comes with your EpiPen. We can send your reminder by any or all of these means SMS text message, letter or e-mail depending on your on-line choice to the link below
LINK TO FREE EXPIRY ALERT
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| Q. |
I have noticed that my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. is out of date |
| A. |
EpiPen contains adrenaline. After the expiry date printed on the box and EpiPen the adrenaline may not work as effectively. It is recommended that you contact your GP to arrange replacement of your EpiPen.
LINK TO FREE EXPIRY ALERT |
| Q. |
How should I store my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr.? |
| A. |
Adrenaline is a stable product but it can be affected by heat and direct sunlight. For this reason, always store away from any extremes of temperature in the tube provided. The condition of the adrenaline can be checked through the observation “window” on the EpiPen Auto-Injector. If the adrenaline has become cloudy or discoloured or contains precipitate, your EpiPen should be replaced immediately. The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. must not be refrigerated. |
| Q. |
Are there any precautions I should take with my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. when I go on holiday? |
| A. |
Make sure that you have sufficient EpiPen Auto-Injectors with you, remember that it may be difficult and expensive to replace any you use while abroad. Visit your GP several weeks before departure to arrange this. Before departure, check with your holiday company or airline whether a letter from your GP will be required permitting you to carry your EpiPen onboard the aircraft |
| Q. |
I am travelling to a very different climate to the UK and I wondered if my EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. would still work properly.? |
| A. |
EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. is a product that is sold throughout the world and as such it is used by patients in a variety of climates that are very different to the climate of the UK. However when travelling to such different climates you should take the same care as you would in the UK, for example try not to leave the EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat or cold for a prolonged period. The EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. should not be refrigerated or frozen. EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injectors should always be stored in the tube provided. |
| Q. |
How can I obtain a FREE EpiPen Training Device? |
| A. |
An EpiPen Trainer is exactly the same as your EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. except that it has no adrenaline and no needle. It operates in exactly the same manner is an EpiPen and can be used to teach your self and others to be confident in the use of an EpiPen in an emergency.
LINK TO ORDER A FREE TRAINER PEN
Reference
1 Resuscitation Council (UK) Emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions Guidelines for healthcare providers Working group of the Resuscitation Council (UK) January 2008
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