How to use EpiPen®
Auto-Injector:
Blue to the sky.
Orange to the thigh.

Anaphylactic reactions are life-threatening and can happen very quickly, so it's important you know how to use EpiPen® Auto-Injector in these emergency situations. If you or your child has been prescribed EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injector it is important that you learn and practise how to use it, by using a trainer device every three to four months. Practise makes perfect.1,2

Using the EpiPen® Auto-Injector involves 2 simple steps:3,4

If you are using EpiPen® Auto-Injector on yourself, you should lie flat or sit if breathing is difficult.

*If administering to someone else have them lay flat. If breathing is difficult allow them to sit but not stand. After administration of EpiPen® Auto-Injector, always seek medical attention – call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Just remember: BLUE to the SKY, ORANGE to the THIGH.

This short video will show you how simple it is to use EpiPen® Auto-Injector in an emergency. Feel free to share it with anyone who may have to help you. It’s also a good idea to watch it regularly, so you are confident in using your EpiPen® Auto-Injector during an emergency.

1

Blue to the sky

Grasp with orange tip pointing downward.
Remove blue safety cap by pulling straight up – do not bend or twist.

hand_to-hand

2

Orange to the thigh

Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh at a right angle (90-degree angle). Push the auto-injector firmly into the thigh until a click is heard or felt. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds and then remove.

box_to-hand

Epinephrine = Adrenaline. Anaphylaxis = Severe 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.