How does EpiPen® work?
June 21 2021
EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr. Auto-Injectors are used for first-aid treatment of a severe allergic reaction to triggers such as nuts, dairy products, medicines, insect bites or latex.1,2 A severe allergic reaction is also known as anaphylaxis.
Signs and symptoms
A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening. It can make a person feel extremely unwell. It may cause one or more of the following symptoms: difficult/noisy breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, tightness in the throat, difficulty talking or hoarse voice, wheeze or persistent cough, persistent dizziness or collapse and children can become pale and floppy.2
Some patients also experience swelling of the face, lips and eyes, hives or welts and abdominal pain and vomiting.2
What do EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr. do?
EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr. contain a specific dose of hormone called adrenaline to help the body fight a severe allergic reaction.1
The adrenaline in EpiPen® works to quickly start reversing the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.3
It may relieve swelling of the throat, help a person to breathe normally, help increase their blood pressure and improve their heart rate.3
It is important to remember that some patients may need additional doses before the ambulance arrives. That’s why people prescribed EpiPen® should have two EpiPen® Auto-Injectors with them at all times.1,4
Prepared June 2021. EPI-2021-0199.
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References
- EpiPen® Package insert. September 2017.
- Australia Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Anaphylaxis: [cited March 2021] Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/anaphylaxis.
- Australia Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Adrenaline for Severe Allergies (Anaphylaxis): [cited March 2021] Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatment/adrenaline-for-severe-allergies
- Australia Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Autoinjectors Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [cited March 2021] Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-autoinjectors-faqs
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.