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What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening severe allergic reaction and should always be treated as a medical emergency. Anaphylaxis occurs after exposure to an allergen such as foods, medicines, insect stings, or latex.1
Difficulty/noisy
breathing
Swelling of
tongue
Swelling/tightness
in the throat
Difficulty talking
and/or hoarse voice
Wheeze or
persistent cough
Persistent dizziness
or collapse
Loss of consciousness
and/or collapse or
becoming pale and
floppy (in young children)
Swelling of lips,
face and eyes
Hives or welts
Tingling mouth
Abdominal pain,
vomiting
(these are signs of
anaphylaxis or severe
allergic reaction for insect allergy)
Anaphylaxis can occur in people who are exposed to an allergen to which they are allergic.1
The role of our immune system is to protect us from ‘foreign invaders’. In people with anaphylaxis, the immune system 'overreacts' to the allergen. Contact with, or ingestion of this allergen sets off a chain reaction in the immune system that may lead to anaphylaxis.5
Several factors can influence the severity of allergic reaction.1
Anaphylaxis is both preventable and treatable.
Knowing your triggers and avoiding them is the best way to help prevent an anaphylactic event.1,6
A referral to a clinical immunology or allergy specialist will help you to identify your triggers and learn the best ways to avoid them and prevent anaphylaxis.1
However, no matter how careful you are, accidental exposure to a trigger can happen. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared.
You can find more help and advice on living with allergies and
anaphylaxis from the following organisations:
ASCIA is the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand. The ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis provides accessible, consistent and evidence based resources, education and training about anaphylaxis for health professionals, patients, carers and community.
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia is the peak not-for-profit organisation for those living with allergy including the risk of anaphylaxis. For trusted information and support, go to www.allergyfacts.org.au
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References:
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Anaphylaxis; [ cited August 2020 ]. Available from: www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/anaphylaxis.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Anaphylaxis Action Plan; [ cited August 2020 ]. Available from: www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/anaphylaxis/2018/ASCIA_Action_Plan_Anaphylaxis_EpiPen_Red_2018.pdf.
- EpiPen® Approved Product Information, October 2019.
- EpiPen® Jr Approved Product Information, October 2019.
- Better Health Channel. Analphylaxis; [ cited August 2020 ]. Available from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anaphylaxis.
- Simons FER, Ardusso LRF, Bilo MB, El-Gamal YM, Ledford DK, Ring J et al. World Allergy Organization Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Anaphylaxis. WAO Journal. 2011 Feb;4:13-37.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Anaphylaxis PCC; [ cited August 2020 ]. Available from: www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_Anaphylaxis_2019.pdf.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [Internet]. Adrenaline [Epinephrine] Autoinjectors Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ); [cited August 2020 ]. Available from: 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.
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.