Features - 10 things you MUST know about the EpiPen

1  The EpiPen saves lives and one single dose is all that you need, giving you time to get any extra help you need under nearly all circumstances. If in a remote place, you should carry more than one dose, allowing enough time to reach a hospital.

2  Carry your EpiPin with you at all times. Store your EpiPen in a clearly marked, robust case and keep it at room temperature. Protect it from light and high temperatures. It must not be refrigerated. Visit www.allergypack.com or www.protectube.com for a range of special pouches and protective tubes. 

3  Never put your thumb, fingers or hand over the black tip where the needle comes out; injecting epinephrine into the wrong place can be dangerous. Adrenaline can cut off the blood vessels at the base of the finger or thumb and it could result in gangrene.

4  Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects millions of people every year. The initial treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Anyone with a history of anaphylaxis is urged to carry an EpiPen with them at all times. It takes only one to two minutes for a mild allergic reaction to escalate to anaphylaxis; the faster the onset of anaphylaxis, the greater the chance it will be severe.

 5 The EpiPen is designed to work through clothing if necessary. The whole purpose of the EpiPen autoinjector is to ensure that you get an emergency dose of epinephrine quickly, as soon as you need it.

6  The EpiPen is only suitable for one injection. Immediately after use go to a hospital in case you need further medical attention Tell a doctor that you have used the EpiPen and hand it to a member of staff to be disposed of safely.

7  Always inject the EpiPen into the side of the thigh. You may not feel the drug being injected but it is released when you press the EpiPen against your leg. If the needle is exposed when you remove the EpiPen from the thigh, the drug has been released.

8  Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a quick-acting hormone which our body produces from glands just above each kidney in times of emergency. Adrenaline makes the heart pump faster, widening the air passages in the lungs and tightening up the blood vessels. By injecting the adrenaline we give the body more than it can produce quickly.

9  Make sure you check the expiry date on your EpiPen and be sure to have a replacement for this date. Epinephrene doesn't last forever and will lose a lot of its effectiveness if you let it go out of date. Some manufacturers will let you know when the time comes to replace the kit. Remember to fill in the form and send it to them.

10 The EpiPen can be dangerous if used the wrong way. It is important that someone teaches you how to use the device properly. Courses are available at MNT (Maternity & Nanny traning). Call them on 0870 2202 657, or visit www.nannynetwork.co.uk. If you can't get training, be sure to read the instructions for the EpiPen with great care.

Page created: 29 November 2004