EpiPen® Auto-Injector -
If it’s with you,
it could save you1,2
Welcome to MyEpiPen® , an online resource dedicated to helping you and your family be better prepared to manage anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injectors contain adrenaline (also called epinephrine), and are used for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).1,2
EpiPen® Auto-Injector is quick and easy to use in an emergency, designed so that it can be administered by a non-medical person such as a parent, friend, teacher, childcare worker or by the patient themselves.3-6
Anaphylaxis can occur after exposure to an allergen such as:7
- Foods (such as nuts, eggs, dairy products, seafood)
- Medicines
- Insect bites or stings
- Latex
When an anaphylactic reaction occurs, our immune system rapidly releases chemicals that can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and a narrowing of airways (e.g. throat, windpipe, lungs), making breathing very difficult.8
The adrenaline in EpiPen® Auto-Injector helps reverse the effects of anaphylaxis by reducing throat swelling, relaxing and opening the airways, while restoring heart function and blood pressure.9
Using the EpiPen® Auto-Injector involves 2 simple steps:
If you are using EpiPen®Auto-Injector on yourself, you should lie flat or sit if breathing is difficult.
If administering to someone else have them lay flat. If breathing is difficult allow them to sit but not stand.
After administration of EpiPen® Auto-Injector, always seek medical attention – call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Also translated in 25 other languages.
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It is important to practice with an EpiPen® training device so that you are prepared if an emergency occurs. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to demonstrate how to use EpiPen® Auto-Injector and practise the steps.
Also translated in 25 other languages.
Click here to watch the video in your language >
1
Blue to the sky
Grasp with orange tip pointing downward.
Remove blue safety cap by pulling straight up – do not bend or twist.
Other useful tips about EpiPen® Auto-Injector
- Check the expiry date on your EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injector and register for reminders with MyEpiPen.
- Be sure to replace your EpiPen® Auto-Injector prior to this date.
- EpiPen® Auto-Injector is available with a prescription (if you are eligible) or can be purchased directly from your pharmacist.
- Eligible patients can receive 2 (two) EpiPen® Auto-Injectors subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.10,11
- EpiPen® Auto-Injector can be replaced once used or expired – just ask your doctor for another prescription.
Join more than 35,000 EpiPen® Auto-Injector users and reap the benefits1
MyEpiPen® is an online resource dedicated to helping you and your family be better prepared to manage anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). If you're not yet a member of MyEpiPen®, make sure you join today to receive:
- An EpiPen® Trainer – a training device to help you practise using EpiPen® Auto-Injector
- How to use EpiPen® Auto-Injector fridge magnet - to serve as a useful reminder
- Expiry reminders - to help ensure you always have an in-date EpiPen® Auto-Injector at hand
- Regular updates on the latest anaphylaxis news
Register here
-
References:
- EpiPen® Approved Product Information. October 2019.
- EpiPen® Jr Approved Product Information. October 2019.
- EpiPen® Package Insert. October 2019.
- Dennerlein JT. Anaphylaxis treatment: ergonomics of epinephrine autoinjector design. Am J Med. 2014 Jan;127 (1):S12 – S16. Study funded by Mylan Speciality L .P.
- Schwirtz A and Seeger H. Are adrenaline autoinjectors fit for purpose? A pilot study of the mechanical and injection performance characteristics of a cartridge-versus a syringe-based autoinjector. J Asthma Allergy. 2010;3:159 – 67. Study funded by Pharma Consult GmbH.
- Frew AJ. What are the 'ideal ' features of an adrenaline (epinephrine ) auto-injector in the treatment of anaphylaxis? Allergy. 2011 Jan;66 (1 ):15 – 24. Study funded by ALK-AG.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Anaphylaxis; [ cited August 2020 ]. Available from: www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/anaphylaxis.
- Mayo Clinic. Anaphylaxis; [ cited August 2020 ]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Adrenaline for severe allergies (Anaphylaxis); [cited August 2020]. Available from: www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatment/adrenaline-for-severe-allergies.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet ]. ASCIA Guidelines - Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Autoinjector Prescription; [cited August 2020] Available from: www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-autoinjector-prescription
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Adrenaline Auto-Injectors. [cited August 2020] Available from: https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/8698T.
Epinephrine = Adrenaline. Anaphylaxis = Severe allergic reaction. PBS = Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Join more than 35,000 EpiPen® Auto-Injector users and reap the benefits1
MyEpiPen® is an online resource dedicated to helping you and your family be better prepared to manage anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). If you're not yet a member of MyEpiPen®, make sure you join today to receive:
- An EpiPen® Trainer – a training device to help you practise using EpiPen® Auto-Injector
- How to use EpiPen® Auto-Injector fridge magnet - to serve as a useful reminder
- Expiry reminders - to help ensure you always have an in-date EpiPen® Auto-Injector at hand
- Regular updates on the latest anaphylaxis news
Register here
Welcome to MyEpiPen®
Patients and Carers
Our new website is designed to support Australians who have been diagnosed with
severe allergies and are at risk of anaphylaxis.
Schools and Pharmacists
We’re busy working on your new programs, and look forward to welcoming you to the
new site soon. In the meantime, please click below to access the EpiClub® site as usual.
July 2021. EPI-2021-0194.
When collecting your EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injector prescription, your pharmacist may try to switch it, or talk to you about switching to Anapen®.1
EpiPen® Auto-Injectors and Anapen® are not the same:2-4
EpiPen® takes just 2 steps to use.2,3
Anapen® takes more steps.4
EpiPen® has a Never-See-Needle.™2,3
Anapen®’s needle is exposed after use.4
- Switching means retraining: You, your family, friends and caregivers must retrain to use a different device correctly if you have an anaphylactic attack2-4
- Switching means a different ASCIA Action Plan: You will also need to get a new ASCIA Action Plan, specific to Anapen®5
Remember, you don’t have to change. It’s your choice6
Be specific and tell your GP and pharmacist that you want your EpiPen® Auto-Injector prescription.
References:
- NPS Medicinewise. Brand equivalence — ‘a’ flagging explained. Available at: https://www.nps.org.au/radar/articles/brand-equivalence-a-flagging-explained. Accessed December 2021.
- EpiPen® Adrenaline (epinephrine) 300 μg/0.3 mL Auto-Injector. Consumer Medicine information. July 2021.
- EpiPen® Jr. Adrenaline (epinephrine) 150 μg/0.3 mL Auto-Injector. Consumer Medicine information. July 2021.
- Anapen® Consumer Medicine information. March 2021.
- ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis (RED). https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/ascia-plans-action-and-treatment. Accessed December 2021.
- Medical Director. Active Ingredient Prescribing is coming: here’s what you need to know. https://www.medicaldirector.com/news/clinical-practice/2020/08/active-ingredient-prescribing-is-coming-heres-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed December 2021.
February 2022. EPI-2021-0567.