Myth 1: Small amounts of nut are harmless

Ever wonder why packaged foods with no nuts in the ingredients sometimes contain a warning that they may contain nuts or that they are produced in a facility that also processes nuts? For some people, tiny amounts of nut (or allergen) can cause a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis.¹

Myth 2: Antihistamines should be used before EpiPen^®

The fact is that antihistamines should never be used as an alternative to EpiPen^®.²

Myth 3: If there’s no skin reaction, it’s not anaphylaxis

The fact is that people may have no visible skin reaction (rash, hives or itching) while experiencing anaphylaxis.³
For people who have been prescribed EpiPen^®, it is important to use it at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction.⁴
Signs and symptoms vary, but may include one or more of the following:

• Persistent dizziness or collapse.
• Difficult or noisy breathing.
• Wheezing or persistent cough.
• Swelling, especially of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
• Young child becoming pale and floppy.
•  Skin rash, hives or itching.²

Myth 4: Adrenaline is dangerous

EpiPen^® or EpiPen^® Jr. Auto-Injectors contain a specific dose of adrenaline^® and are designed for use by people who have had no first-aid training.⁵

The fact is that it is safer to use EpiPen^® when you don’t actually need it than not to use it when you do need it. Not administering EpiPen^® in a potentially life-threatening situation is more dangerous than using EpiPen^® when a patient is experiencing only a moderate allergic reaction.⁵

There are instructions on the EpiPen^® Auto-Injector to guide you. Remember:

Watch the How To Use EpiPen^® video now
(English version)

Also translated in 25 other languages.
Click here to watch the video in your language >

Prepared June 2021. EPI-2021-0201.