The EpiPen® is an Adrenaline (epinephrine) Auto-Injector that has been PBS Listed since 2003. The EpiPen® is one of two brands currently indicated for Australians to use for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions). Viatris (external link) distributes the EpiPen® in Australia.
Scroll below to learn more about the EpiPen®
EPIPEN® DOSES
The EpiPen® doses come in 2 options. The doses are based on strength and based on weight. Your healthcare professional will decide which dose is right for you.
- EpiPen® Jr (150 microgram)
- EpiPen® (300 microgram)
ADMINISTERING EPIPEN®
Using the EpiPen® Auto-Injector involves two simple steps*:
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.
Click here (external link) to read more on how to use the EpiPen®
⚠ EpiPen® is not a substitute for emergency medical/hospital care. Call 000 immediately after administering the EpiPen® (auto-injector). An additional dose, may be needed while waiting for emergency care. EpiPen® (auto-injector) is available from pharmacies with a prescription, or without a prescription as part of a formal anaphylaxis action plan provided by a health practitioner.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EpiPen® Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I using EPIPEN®?
EpiPen® (auto-injector) contains the active ingredient adrenaline (epinephrine). In some countries, adrenaline is known as epinephrine. The EpiPen® is only to be used for the immediate EMERGENCY TREATMENT of a SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION (also known as ANAPHYLAXIS).
What should I know before I use the EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr ?
- EpiPen® : EpiPen® is a life-saving treatment in the emergency management of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it should not be withheld from anyone who is considered to need it. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- EpiPen® Jr: EpiPen® Jr is a life-saving treatment in the emergency management of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it should not be withheld from anyone who is considered to need it. Talk to your doctor if your child has any other medical conditions, or take any other medicines.
What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with EpiPen® / EpiPen® Jr and affect how it works. Talk to your doctor to discuss treatments and understand how to use medication based on your individual circumstances.
How do I use EpiPen®?
- EpiPen®: EpiPen® delivers one measured dose of adrenaline intended for a person who weighs more than 30 kg. It may be prescribed for a child who weighs from 15 kg up to 30 kg.
- EpiPen® Jr: EpiPen® Jr delivers one measured dose of adrenaline intended for a child who weighs 15 kg to 30 kg.
What should I know while using EpiPen®/ EpiPen® Jr ?
Things you should do:
- Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using EpiPen®/ EpiPen® Jr.
- Check the expiry date on EpiPen® / EpiPen® Jr and request for replacement prior to the expiry date.
Things you should not do:
- Do not use EpiPen®/ EpiPen® Jr to treat any other medical conditions including other types of shock unless advised by the doctor.
- Do not use EpiPen®/ EpiPen® Jr if the solution is cloudy, coloured, contains sediment or the viewing window is obscured.
- Do not take off the blue safety release until required. Do not touch the orange end on any person or object while you are taking off the blue safety release and/or after you have taken off the blue safety release.
- Do not inject into hands, feet, ears, nose, buttocks, genital area or into blood vessels.
Driving or using machines:
- Your ability to drive and use machines may be affected by the anaphylactic reaction and possible adverse effects to adrenaline.
Looking after your medicine-
- EpiPen®: Keep EpiPen® in a cool dry place below 25°C. Temperature excursions between 15°C to 25°C permitted. Do not refrigerate. Protect EpiPen® from light. Keep EpiPen® in the protective carry tube until required.
- EpiPen® Jr: Keep EpiPen® Jr in a cool dry place below 25°C. Temperature excursions between 15°C to 25°C permitted. Do not refrigerate. Protect EpiPen® Jr from light. Keep EpiPen® Jr in the protective carry tube until required.
Are there any side effects?
- EpiPen®: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience a fast or noticeable heartbeat, difficulty breathing, chest pain or shortness of breath.
- EpiPen® Jr: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child experiences a fast or noticeable heartbeat, difficulty breathing, chest pain or shortness of breath.
Where can I find further information?
- To view the EpiPen® CMI (consumer medical information) click here (external link)
- To view the EpiPen® Jr CMI (consumer medical information) click here (external link)
*EpiPen® Consumer Medicine Information, March 2023. EpiPen® Jr Consumer Medicine Information, March 2023
This information was provided to Allergy Life Australia by Viatris. This Page was last updated on 22nd August 2023
