A severe allergic reaction can quickly become a life threatening situation. Knowing how an EpiPen works and how to use it in an emergency could save a life.
Epinephrine is the fastest and most effective way to reverse the effects of a severe allergic reaction. In Australia, the EpiPen is the most common epinephrine auto injector, providing fast and safe emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. In this guide, we explain how an EpiPen works, and how to administer one in an emergency situation.
What is an EpiPen?
An EpiPen auto-injector is an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Containing a single dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), EpiPens are designed to reduce the effects of an allergic reaction across the entire body.
An EpiPen is administered in the outer mid-thigh of the patient, and can be used by anyone in an emergency, not only medical professionals. While epinephrine auto-injectors are the best emergency treatment for anaphylaxis, they are not a replacement for going to the hospital or seeking professional medical help.
How does an EpiPen work?
An EpiPen contains a single fixed dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) that is administered via an auto-injection system when pressed against the patient’s outer thigh. As the only drug that works on the entire body to counter anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the recommended treatment for a severe allergic response.
Epinephrine helps by:
- Relaxing the muscles of the airways
- Constricting blood vessels and preventing dangerously low blood pressure
- Relaxing the muscles of the stomach, intestines and bladder
- Suppressing the further release of histamine which is responsible for the allergic response
How to use an EpiPen in an emergency
The EpiPen is designed for quick and easy application and can be administered by anyone. Severe allergies can be life threatening and it’s important that a person experiencing anaphylactic shock receives immediate medical attention. For that reason, it’s crucial that people with severe allergies, their caregivers and first responders know how to use an EpiPen.
Here’s how to use an EpiPen in an emergency:
- Grasp the EpiPen in your hand with the blue end pointing upwards and the orange end pointing downwards.
- Remove the blue safety cap.
- Place the orange tip against the outer mid-thigh of the patient. Over the top of clothing is ok.
- Swing and push the auto-injector firmly into the thigh until you hear a click. Hold in place for 3 seconds.
- Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- If the patient’s condition does not improve, you can administer a second dose 5-15 minutes after the first injection.
Does the EpiPen work immediately?
The effects of an epinephrine injection begin immediately once an EpiPen is administered. If the patient doesn’t feel better or their condition gets worse, you can give a second dose within 5-15 minutes of the first dose. After administering the EpiPen, it’s important to get immediate medical attention in case further treatment is required.
When not to use an EpiPen
For patients who have been prescribed an EpiPen and are experiencing the symptoms of anaphylaxis, it’s generally better to give the EpiPen straight away. In most cases, administering an EpiPen will have no lasting symptoms while an untreated allergic reaction can be fatal.
EpiPen and EpiPen Jr should not be used on children under 15kg. For the best treatment in this case, seek professional medical advice. Additionally, an EpiPen should not be used if it is damaged, expired or leaking.
An EpiPen should be replaced when:
- The body of the device is broken or leaking
- The solution through the viewing window is discoloured or cloudy (it should always be clear)
- There are solid particles in the solution
- The date of expiration has passed (the expiration date stamp is visible on the outside of the EpiPen)
Ensuring you have current, working EpiPens on hand is crucial in case of emergency. Exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures or very low temperatures can cause damage to an EpiPen, so storing correctly is important.
Find out more: How to store your EpiPen this summer.
Can you use an EpiPen for children?
EpiPen can be used for adults and children over 30kg. For young children weighing 15-30kg, you should use EpiPen Junior. For children under 15kg, seek professional medical advice about the best treatment options.
EpiPen Jr works in the same way as the traditional EpiPen, except with a smaller dose of epinephrine. When administering the EpiPen Jr in young children, you may need to hold their leg firmly in place to prevent injury.
What is an EpiPen trainer?
An EpiPen trainer is a device identical to an EpiPen, except without a needle or epinephrine dose. EpiPen trainers can be used to practice administering an EpiPen and can improve confidence and response times in an emergency. Patients with severe allergies, their caregivers and first aid officers should practice administering the EpiPen with a training device.
EpiPen supplies at LFA First Response
LFA First Response stocks EpiPen Adult and EpiPen Junior, as well as EpiPen trainers and EpiPen cases for safe storage. With unbeatable shelf life and fast turnaround times, we can assist with EpiPen requirements for healthcare providers, schools, workplaces and more. Place an order online today or ask our customer service team about how we can help. Call us on 1800 681 544.
