FAQs

A.EpiPen^® is a sterile solution in pre-filled pen for emergency injection into the muscle (intramuscular).

It is to be used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens in e.g. foods, drugs, insect stings or bites as well as triggered by exercise or by unknown causes.

Adrenaline Auto-Injectors are intended for immediate administration in patients, who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions.

Symptoms that signal the onset of an anaphylactic reaction include: itching of the skin; raised rash(like a nettle rash); flushing; swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet; wheezing; hoarseness; nausea; vomiting; abdominal cramps and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

The medicine in the Auto-Injector (the pen) is adrenaline which is an adrenergic drug.

It works directly on the cardiovascular (heart and circulation) system and respiratory (lung) system, countering the potentially fatal effects of anaphylaxis by rapidly constricting the blood vessels, relaxing muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, reducing swelling and stimulating heartbeat.

A.Adrenaline is the first-line, emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Adrenaline acts quickly to open the airways, stop swelling and raise the blood pressure.

A.They both contain adrenaline, but in different amounts. If you weigh more than 30 kg, you will need EpiPen^®, if you weigh between 15 and 30 kg, you will need EpiPen^® Junior. Your doctor will decide which is right for you.

A.You can view the patient information leaflets here:

EpiPen^® 300 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled pen Patient Information Leaflet

EpiPen^® Junior 150 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled pen Patient Information Leaflet

A.Remove the blue safety cap, and then jab the EpiPen^® into your outer thigh to release the hidden needle and the dose of adrenaline. Hold the pen in place for 3 seconds, before removing it and dialling 112. Click here for full instructions.

It is best to practice regularly with a Trainer Pen.^* You can order one here^* if you do not have one, or ask your doctor.

^*Dispatched to the Republic of Ireland only.

A.When you swing and jab the EpiPen^®into your thigh, the needle and the dose of adrenaline will be released. After removing the pen, the orange end will extend to cover the needle and the viewing window will go dark. There will still be some adrenaline left in the pen, this is perfectly normal. You should quickly start to feel that the adrenaline is working. Remember, each pen can only be used once.

A.Yes, even jeans. Take care to avoid zips, buttons, buckles, seams and pocket contents.

A.Always seek medical attention. You must dial 112, ask for an ambulance and say ‘anaphylaxis’ (pronounced ‘anna-fill-axis’) immediately after using the pen. Make sure you give your used pen to the paramedic. Remember to get a new EpiPen^® as soon as possible.

A.The bubble is a type of gas called nitrogen, and it is perfectly normal to find it in an EpiPen^®. Don’t worry about using your pen as the bubble will not interfere with how it works.

A.Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to recognise the symptoms of anaphylaxis. If you think you have come into contact with your trigger, make sure you have your EpiPen^® to hand and use it immediately if you start to experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. You must dial 112, ask for an ambulance and say ‘anaphylaxis’ (pronounced ‘anna-fill-axis’) immediately after using the pen and remain lying down or seated until the ambulance arrives.

A.Yes, you can order a Trainer Pen here^*. Practice as much as you can to make sure you know what to do in an emergency. The instructions on how to use the Trainer Pen are the same as an EpiPen^®, although there is no adrenaline and no needle. The Trainer Pen can be reset so that you can keep practicing with your friends and family. The EpiPen^® is for a single use only so can only be used once.

^*Dispatched to the Republic of Ireland only.

A.Tell them your triggers, the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, where you keep your EpiPen^® and how to use it. Show them this website, and practice with your Trainer Pen. You can also download and print information from the Resources page for them to keep.

A.Make sure you see your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to get a new pen. Use the free EpiPen^® Expiry Alert Service to set automatic reminders when your pens are expiring. Click Here to Sign up for the Expiry Alert Service

A.Adrenaline is sensitive to light. Keep the auto-injector in the outer carton in order to protect from light. When exposed to air or light, adrenaline deteriorates rapidly and becomes pink or brown.

Do not store above 25°C. Do not refrigerate, freeze or expose the in the pen to extreme heat.
Please remember to check the contents of the glass cartridge in the pen from time to time to make sure the liquid is still clear and colourless.

A.Contact your doctor or your pharmacist, who will be able to advise you.

A.Make sure that you have enough pens with you – it may be difficult and expensive to get replacement pens abroad. Organise this with your doctor several weeks before you go.

Airlines will often require a letter from your doctor to allow you to carry your EpiPen^® with you onto the aircraft.
Click here to print off a Travel Certificate for your doctor to fill in – make sure you get it done in good time before you travel. If you have a food allergy, you should also discuss meal options (if provided).

A. Adrenaline is sensitive to light. In order to protect from light, keep the auto-injector in the outer carton. When exposed to air or light, adrenaline deteriorates rapidly and becomes pink or brown.

Do not store above 25°C. Do not refrigerate, freeze or expose the EpiPen^® to extreme heat.
Please remember to check the contents of the glass cartridge in the EpiPen^® and EpiPen^®Junior auto-injector from time to time to make sure the liquid is still clear and colourless. Replace the auto-injector by the expiry date or earlier if the solution is discoloured or contains a precipitate (solid matter).