Adrenaline
Adrenaline is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions to food, insect stings, medication, latex, exercise and other allergens.
Adrenaline acts fast and rapidly treats the dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis, including throat swelling, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure.1 It also helps alleviate itching, rash, swelling, gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms.2,3 It works most effectively if it is given within the first few minutes of a severe allergic reaction.1
Smooth muscle contraction and increased vascular resistance
Smooth muscle contraction and inhibition of transmitter release
Increases cardiac contraction force and increases heart rate
Decreases mediator release and increase bronchodilation
Adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed for self-administration and are intended for immediate administration in patients, who are determined to be at increased risk of anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions.
EpiPen® / EpiPen® Junior Auto-Injector is designed for intramuscular administration into the anterolateral thigh, not the buttock.
The physician prescribing an EpiPen® / EpiPen® Junior Auto-Injector must ensure that the patient understands the indications for use and the correct method of application. Therefore, the physician should discuss the patient information leaflet, the correct handling of the Auto-Injector and the possible symptoms of an anaphylactic shock in detail with the patient. It is recommended that patients are prescribed two EpiPen® / EpiPen® Junior pens which they should carry at all times.2,3
Side effects associated with adrenaline's alpha and beta receptor activity may include, but are not limited to, symptoms such as tachycardia and hypertension as well as undesirable effects on the central nervous system.
Please refer to the EpiPen®/EpiPen® Junior SmPCs for a full list of possible side effects.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.
Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Website: www.hpra.ie
Adverse reactions/events should also be reported to the marketing authorisation holder at email address: pv.ireland@viatris.com or phone 0044 (0) 800 1218267
- Simons, F.E.R., 2011. World allergy organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organization Journal, 4(2), pp.13-37.
- 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.
Reporting of adverse reactions:
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.
Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Website: www.hpra.ie
Adverse reactions/events should also be reported to the marketing authorisation holder at email address: pv.ireland@viatris.com or phone 0044 (0) 800 1218267.
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