EpiPen^®
explained

EpiPen^® is an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) used for self-administration of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), as well as idiopathic or exercise induced anaphylaxis.^1,2

• Delivers the correct dose of adrenaline quickly.
• Has needle protection which deploys immediately after administration.
• Familiar jab administration and 3 seconds hold time during injection, making it quick to administer in an emergency.

The suitability of EpiPen Junior has to be judged individually. The use in children weighing less than 7.5 kg is not recommended unless in a life-threatening situation and under medical advice.

Anaphylaxis is unpredictable, and while a person may have a mild reaction one time, a serious or even life-threatening reaction can occur the next time. In addition, allergic reactions can begin with mild symptoms and then progress to a full anaphylactic episode.

A person who is having an allergic reaction should use their EpiPen^® immediately if they experience ANY of the following serious symptoms of anaphylaxis following contact with their allergen:

• Feeling light-headed or faint
• Breathing difficulties, such as fast, shallow breathing
• Wheezing
• A fast heartbeat

• Clammy skin
• Confusion and anxiety
• Collapsing or losing consciousness

Other allergy symptoms may include an itchy, raised rash (hives), feeling or being sick, swelling (angioedema) or stomach pain.

Patients experiencing the following mild to moderate symptoms of anaphylaxis should take an anti-histamine and have their EpiPen^® ready in case of worsening symptoms:

• Red, raised, itchy rash
• Swelling of face, lips or eyelids
• Abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting

• Stomach ache
• Tingling mouth

In the absence of clinical improvement or if deterioration occurs, a second injection with an additional EpiPen^® Auto-Injector may be administered 5 - 15 minutes after the first injection. It is recommended that patients are prescribed two EpiPen^® pens which they should carry at all times.^1,2

If used correctly, significant injury with EpiPen^® is unlikely. Patients should not remove the blue safety cap until they are ready to inject, always ensure that they point the end with the orange tip towards the thigh and never put their thumbs or fingers over the orange tip. Directions for use are in the package insert.^1,2

Potential side effects include an increase in heart rate, a stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. Adrenaline is ordinarily administered with extreme caution to patients who have a heart disease. Adrenaline should only be prescribed to those patients, but also those suffering from diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypertension and elderly individuals if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. There is a risk of adverse reactions following epinephrine administration in patients with high intraocular pressure, severe renal impairment, prostatic adenoma leading to residual urine, hypercalcaemia and hypokalaemia. In patients with Parkinson's disease, epinephrine may be associated with a transient worsening of Parkinson symptoms such as rigidity and tremor.

Patients with concomitant asthma may be at increased risk of a severe anaphylactic reaction.^1,2

Adrenaline inhibits the secretion of insulin, thus increasing the blood glucose level. It may be necessary for diabetic patients receiving adrenaline to increase their dosage of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs.^1,2

It is important to remember that in practice there are no known absolute contraindications to the use in a life-threatening allergic reaction.^1,2

Overdose of adrenaline is unlikely with EpiPen^®. However, symptoms of overdose are elevated arterial pressure, pulmonary oedema and cardiac arrhythmias. If necessary, pressor effects may be counteracted by rapidly acting vasodilators or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs.^1,2

If you have any concerns/questions about the safety aspects of EpiPen^®, please contact the Viatris Medical Information Department on +44 (0)1707 853000 (option 1) or email: info.ie@viatris.com

For the full details of side effects, warnings and precautions, please refer to EpiPen/EpiPen Junior SmPCs.

READ MORE - EpiPen (adrenaline) 300 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Summary of Product Characteristics

READ MORE - EpiPen Junior (adrenaline) 150 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Summary of Product Characteristics

• EpiPen (adrenaline) 300 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.ie. Last accessed: November 2023.
• EpiPen Junior (adrenaline) 150 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.ie. Last accessed: November 2023.
• Signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis, 2022. Available at: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/about-anaphylaxis/anaphylaxis-signs-and-symptoms/. Last accessed: November 2023.