Packed school bag with 2 EpiPen® in their cases

How to use your EpiPen®


** Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

You should familiarise yourself with the steps required to administer your EpiPen® and watch the demonstration video below so you are clear about what to do in an emergency. You can also order an EpiPen® Trainer so that you can practice the steps with your friends and family.

There is no need to remove clothing to use your EpiPen®, but make sure the orange end will not hit buckles, zips, buttons or thick seams on your clothes.

Lie down with your legs slightly elevated to keep your blood flowing or sit up if breathing is difficult.

*EpiPen® explained...

Follow these directions only when ready to use. Hold the Auto-Injector by the middle, never by the ends. For proper administration, follow these steps:

  • - Never put your thumb, fingers or hand over the orange tip. Never press or push the orange tip with thumb, fingers or hand.
  • - The needle comes out of orange tip.
  • - Do NOT remove blue safety cap until ready to use.

1#  GRASP EPIPEN IN YOUR DOMINANT HAND.

This is the hand you use to write. Ensure your thumb is nearest to the blue cap and form a fist around the unit (orange tip down). Remember, blue to the sky, orange to the thigh!

Illustration of safety cap removed from EpiPen®

2#  REMOVE THE BLUE SAFETY CAP.

Pull the cap straight up with the other hand.

Illustration of safety cap removed from EpiPen®

3#  POSITION THE ORANGE TIP.

Hold the EpiPen® at a distance of approximately 10 cm away from the outer thigh.

The orange tip should point towards the outer thigh.

Illustration showing 10cm distance between EpiPen® and outer thigh

4#  JAB THE EPIPEN FIRMLY INTO OUTER THIGH AT A RIGHT ANGLE (90°)

Listen for a click.

5#  HOLD FIRMLY AGAINST THIGH FOR 3 SECONDS.

The injection is now complete and the viewing window on the Auto-Injector is obscured.

Illustration showing 10cm distance between EpiPen® and outer thigh

6#  REMOVE EPIPEN AND DIAL 112.

EpiPen should be removed and safely discarded. Gently massage the injection area for 10 seconds.

Dial 112, ask for an ambulance and say 'anaphylaxis' (anna-fill-axis).

*Viewing window

Your EpiPen® must be replaced in line with the expiry date. In addition, check the EpiPen® regularly to make sure the solution is clear and colourless. If the solution becomes discoloured or contains particles it will need to be replaced, even if this occurs before the expiry date.

EpiPen® viewing window

*Needle cover

The needle cover extends after use, so the needle is covered both before and after use.

EpiPen® needle cover

*Flip top case

Designed for single handed opening. Always keep your EpiPen® in its case when not in use.

EpiPen® flip-top case

*How to use your EpiPen®

Watch how to use your EpiPen®

Product subject to medical prescription. Please read carefully the instructions on the patient information leaflet.

Information placed on this digital platform is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your healthcare professional.

This site is intended only for patients, parents or carers of those prescribed an EpiPen®.

For further information please consult:

Epipen®(adrenaline) Patient Information Leaflet

EpiPen®Junior(adrenaline) Patient Information Leaflet

@2023 Viatris. All rights reserved.

This website is owned and managed by Viatris.

Viatris, Newenham Court, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin 17, Ireland.


Job Code: EPI-2023-0507
Date of Preparation: December 2023

Reporting of Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Please report side effects with any medicine or vaccine directly via the national reporting system HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Website: www.hpra.ie


By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. You should also report any side effects to Viatris Pharmacovigilance on 0044 (0) 800 1218267 or
email pv.ireland@viatris.com.