You don’t need medical training for EpiPen® – just practice
July 01 2021

Each EpiPen® Auto-Injector contains a single dose of adrenaline®, which works quickly to help reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis, also known as a severe allergic reaction.1
How to use EpiPen®
It’s best to ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate how to use an EpiPen® Auto-Injector regularly.2 You and your family can also practise using a trainer device.
Watch our training video and ask your family and friends to watch too.
In an emergency, remember there are instructions on every EpiPen® Auto-Injector to guide you.
In summary:
- Ensure you (or the patient) are lying on the ground – if breathing is difficult, you or they can sit, but not stand or walk.
- Remove EpiPen® from the case.
- Hold EpiPen® in your fist with the orange end facing down.
- If helping a child, use one hand to hold them still and do your best to reassure them and keep them calm.
- Pull off the blue safety release.
- Press the orange end to the outer mid-thigh.
- Push down until a click is felt or heard and hold for three seconds, then release the EpiPen® Auto-Injector.
- Phone triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
- Phone a relative or emergency contact person.
- Hand the used EpiPen® Auto-Injector to the ambulance or emergency department staff.
- NOTE 1: A second dose with a new EpiPen® Auto-Injector may be necessary if symptoms have not improved in five to fifteen minutes.
- NOTE 2: If assisting another person, CPR may be necessary at any time.
- NOTE 3: Always give EpiPen® first, then asthma medication if required.3
Remember:
Blue to the sky. Orange to the Thigh.
Prepared June 2021. EPI-2021-0200.
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References
- 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
- EpiPen® Pack insert. October 2019.
- Australia Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Action Plan For Anaphylaxis: [cited March 2021] Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/ascia-action-plan-for-anaphylaxis
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.