How to use an adrenaline autoinjector

An adrenaline autoinjector treats severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in an emergency. It injects a single, fixed dose of adrenaline. Adrenaline helps reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

It can be given by anyone, including people who are not medically trained.

Use an adrenaline autoinjector immediately if you suspect someone is having a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:

• difficulty or noisy breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling or tightness in the throat
• difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
• wheezing or a persistent cough
• persistent dizziness or collapse
• pale and floppy (in young children)

Common triggers for a severe allergic reaction include:

• foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, seafood, wheat and soy
• insect bites and stings
• medicines

If you're unsure whether it's a severe allergic reaction, use the adrenaline autoinjector. It's better to use it than to delay treatment for a serious reaction. Adrenaline doesn't have serious side effects if given unnecessarily, but it can save a life.

If you aren't sure whether it's an asthma attack or anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector first. Then follow with asthma reliever medicine. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Continue first aid for both asthma (Opens in new tab) and anaphylaxis until the ambulance arrives.

There are two different brands of adrenaline autoinjector available in Australia.

• EpiPen™
• Anapen™

Each brand has an autoinjector for adults and one for children who weigh between 7.5kg and 20kg. The children's version contains a lower dose of adrenaline. Anapen™ also makes a larger dose version that can be used by children or adults who weigh over 50kg.

If you can, use the EpiPen yourself. If someone who knows how to self-administer is too unwell, they will need help from another person.

1. Remove the autoinjector from the carry tube. Keep your fingers and thumb away from the orange tip.
2. With the orange tip facing down, hold the autoinjector firmly in your fist and pull off the blue safety release.
3. Hold the leg still and place the orange end against the outer mid-thigh at a right angle (90°).
4. You can give the injection through clothing but avoid pockets or seams.
5. Push down firmly until you hear or feel a 'click' and hold for 3 seconds.
6. Remove the adrenaline autoinjector.
7. Record the time the injection was given.
8. Call an ambulance and continue to follow anaphylaxis first aid (Opens in new tab)

Additional adrenaline doses may be given if there is no response 5 minutes after giving the first dose. Record the times they were given.

You should lay flat after receiving the injection. If breathing is difficult, you can sit on the ground with your legs outstretched. If the person is vomiting or pregnant, position them on their side in the recovery position (Opens in new tab).

Watch this video from Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia (Opens in new tab) for a demonstration on how to use the EpiPen™ and EpiPen Jr™.

If you can, use the Anapen™ yourself. If someone who knows how to self-administer is too unwell, they will need help from another person.

1. Remove the black needle shield by pulling hard.
2. Remove the grey safety cap from the red button.
3. Hold the open end (needle end) against the outer part of your thigh at a right angle (90°).
4. You can give the injection through clothing but avoid pockets or seams.
5. Press the red button so that it clicks and hold for 3 seconds
6. Slowly remove the adrenaline autoinjector.
7. Record the time the injection was given.
8. Call an ambulance and continue to follow anaphylaxis first aid (Opens in new tab)

Additional adrenaline doses may be given if there is no response 5 minutes after giving the first dose. Record the times they were given.

You should lay flat after receiving the injection. If breathing is difficult, you can sit on the ground with your legs outstretched. If the person is vomiting or pregnant, position them on their side in the recovery position (Opens in new tab).

Watch this video from Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia for a demonstration on how to use the Anapen™ autoinjector.

Adrenaline autoinjectors are available with a doctor's prescription on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). They are available for people diagnosed as being at high risk of anaphylaxis.

How do I store my adrenaline autoinjector?

Adrenaline autoinjectors last 1 to 2 years and must be stored at room temperature. Check your device regularly and remember to replace it before the expiry date. Do not use it if the adrenaline looks cloudy.

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (Opens in new tab) provides:

• step by step instructions for giving EpiPen (Opens in new tab)™
• step by step instructions for giving Anapen (Opens in new tab)™
• information about allergy action plans (Opens in new tab)

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia (Opens in new tab) offers information and support for people at risk of anaphylaxis and their families.

Healthdirect offers consumer medicine information leaflets about different types of adrenaline autoinjectors:

• Epipen™
• Epipen Jr™
• Adrenaline Mylan™
• Adrenaline Jr Mylan™
• Anapen™
• Anapen Junior™

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

Step by step instructions for giving EpiPen (Opens in new tab)™ are available in several languages other than English.