When to use EpiPen® auto-Injector
Anaphylaxis is unpredictable, and while a person may have a mild reaction one time, a serious or even life-threatening reaction can occur the next time. In addition, allergic reactions can begin with mild symptoms and then rapidly progress to a full anaphylactic episode:
A person who is having an allergic reaction should use their EpiPen® (adrenaline) auto-injector immediately if they experience ANY symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as:
- Having trouble breathing
- Feel tightness in the throat
- Feel lightheaded or think they might pass out.
The EpiPen®Jr (adrenaline) auto-injector should be administered to a child if he/she:
- Is unresponsive, seems groggy, or passes out during an allergic reaction
- Has food allergies and is vomiting repeatedly shortly after eating, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by flushing or rash
- Is coughing repeatedly during an allergic reaction
- Has had a previous anaphylaxis and develops widespread rash after possibly eating a trigger food
- Has definitely eaten a trigger food that previously caused very severe anaphylaxis. In this case, the EpiPen® (adrenaline) auto-injector should be used before symptoms appear.
It is important to note that not all patients will react the same way, and an individual may experience a different set of symptoms during different episodes, even if the same trigger is involved.
At-risk patients should be cautioned against using anti-allergy medication (e.g. anti-histamines) if symptoms are mild as this will delay the administration of adrenaline (the only life-saving option) in the event of an anaphylactic episode developing. There is clear evidence that failing to administer adrenaline as soon as anaphylaxis is suspected has contributed to fatal outcomes. A 2008 Cochrane review concluded that most people dying from anaphylaxis had not received prompt adrenaline treatment. Delayed injection of adrenaline can also increase the likelihood of a biphasic reaction.
EpiPen® (adrenaline) auto-injector should therefore be injected at the first sign of a reaction without waiting to see if it will worsen.50 When someone who is known to be anaphylactic makes significant contact with their trigger, and they have demonstrated a rapid progression of symptoms in the past, it can be given even before the onset of symptoms.
It is better for patients to use adrenaline early and then find out it was a false alarm than delaying treatment until they are sure they are experiencing severe anaphylaxis.
It is vital that at-risk patients carry their EpiPen® (adrenaline) auto-injectors at all times. A second dose can be given after about 5 to 15 minutes if necessary.
ANY DELAY IN RECOGNISING THE INITIAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS AND INJECTING ADRENALINE CAN LEAD TO DEATH
- 50 - EpiPen Prescribing Information, MEDA Pharmaceutical Ltd, March 2011.