Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms

Allergy versus anaphylaxis

An allergic reaction occurs when our immune system reacts to something that is usually considered harmless, such as a certain food, pollen, dust mites, insect bites or latex.1

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and can be life-threatening, because it involves the respiratory system (our ability to breathe) and the cardiovascular system (heart and blood pressure), and it should always be treated as an emergency.1,2

signs_to-signs

Mild to moderate allergic reaction

A mild to moderate reaction may include one or more of the following symptoms:7

eye_to-eye

Swelling of lips,
face and eyes

hand_to-grey

Hives or welts

tongue_to-tongue2

Tingling mouth

men_to-men

Abdominal pain,
vomiting

(these are signs of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction for insect allergy)

Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)

Anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction may involve the symptoms above but the reaction involves
the respiratory and/or cardiovascular system.2

The following symptoms below indicate anaphylaxis :2,3

difficulty_to-breathing

Difficult/noisy
breathing

swelling_to-tongue

Swelling of
the tongue

swelling_to-throat

Swelling/tightness
in the throat

difficulty_to-voice

Difficulty talking
and/or a hoarse voice

wheeze_to-cough

Wheeze or
persistent cough

persistent_to-collapse

Persistent dizziness
or collapse

loss_to-collapse

Loss of consciousness and/or collapse or becoming pale and floppy (in young children)

These are just some of the symptoms that may be caused by an allergy or during an anaphylactic reaction.
A person may have one, some, or all of these symptoms.

Use EpiPen® Auto-Injector if you're experiencing any of the signs and symptoms and call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Warning signs

Sometimes, before an anaphylactic reaction occurs, a person experiences milder symptoms. These may include tingling of the skin or abdominal pain and vomiting. These early symptoms can be a useful warning that exposure to a trigger has occurred, and that treatment may be needed.4 Speak to your doctor about the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) and learn the warning signs for you or your child.

If you’re unsure if anaphylaxis is occurring it’s better to use EpiPen®Auto-Injector.6,7

Anaphylaxis = Severe allergic reaction. Allergen = something that causes allergic reaction.

Login to MyEpiPen®

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:

  1. NPS Medicinewise. Brand equivalence — ‘a’ flagging explained. Available at: https://www.nps.org.au/radar/articles/brand-equivalence-a-flagging-explained. Accessed December 2021.
  2. EpiPen® Adrenaline (epinephrine) 300 μg/0.3 mL Auto-Injector. Consumer Medicine information. July 2021.
  3. EpiPen® Jr. Adrenaline (epinephrine) 150 μg/0.3 mL Auto-Injector. Consumer Medicine information. July 2021.
  4. Anapen® Consumer Medicine information. March 2021.
  5. ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis (RED). https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/ascia-plans-action-and-treatment. Accessed December 2021.
  6. 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.