EpiPen FAQ's

An adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) is a Prescription only Medicine (POM) used to administer a measured dose of adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis.

There are two of these devices available in the UK. Epipen® which is a registered trade mark of ALK-Abelló and Anapen® which is a registered trade mark of Lincoln Medical.

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.

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.

The recommended site for intra-muscular (IM) injection of adrenaline is the anterolateral (upper and outside) aspect of the thigh. How to Use your EpiPen

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.

Yes, the EpiPen Auto-Injector is specifically designed to reliably operate through clothing.

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 999 or 112 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.

You should contact your GP surgery or your local Primary Care Trust who will be able to advise you of how to dispose of an out of date EpiPen/EpiPen Jr.

Your EpiPen Trainer works in exactly the same way as an EpiPen although there is no adrenaline and no needle in the Trainer Pen. How to use your EpiPen

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. Talk to your doctor about obtaining a training device or order one from our online shop

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.

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.

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.

You should be trained by your Doctor or Nurse as to when and how to use your EpiPen/EpiPen Jr.

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 or by using the form attached to the patient information leaflet that comes with your EpiPen. We can send your reminder either by SMS text message, or e-mail depending on your on-line choice.

The 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. You can use our EpiPen Expiry Alert service to receive a reminder when your EpiPen is due to expire.

Adrenaline can be affected by heat and direct sunlight. For this reason, always store away from any extremes of temperature in the tube provided. The expiry date is indicated on the label, and the EpiPen/EpiPen Jr. Auto-injector should not be used after this date. Replace the Auto-injector by expiration date or earlier if the solution is discoloured or contains a precipitate. Check the solution periodically through the viewing window of the unit to make sure the solution is clear and colourless. Expiry Alert service

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.

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, do 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.

You can download replacements here. Patient Leaflet, EpiPen PIL (Patient Information Leaflet), EpiPen Jr PIL