Adrenaline auto-injectors

• Lay the person flat and do not allow them to stand or walk.
• If breathing is difficult, allow the person to sit. If they are unconscious or vomiting, place them on their side in the recovery position.
• Without delay, administer an adrenaline auto injector (EpiPen®) into the patient’s outer mid-thigh.

• If in doubt, give adrenaline auto-injector.
• Call an ambulance – dial 000.
• If there is no response after five minutes and another adrenaline auto injector is available, a further dose may be given.
• If after giving adrenaline, there are no signs of life, commence CPR.
• If you are unsure whether the person is experiencing asthma or anaphylaxis, give adrenaline, then give asthma medication.
• Medical observation for at least four hours after the last dose of adrenaline is recommended after anaphylaxis. If a person is treated with an adrenaline auto-injector, an ambulance must be called immediately to take the person to a hospital.

People with anaphylaxis and their carers are encouraged to regularly practise how to use the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector using an adrenaline-auto injector trainer device. The trainer device:

• does not contain adrenaline
• does not have a needle
• simulates the injecting action and ‘click’ sound
• can be repeatedly reset.

A complementary trainer device is provided to you when you join EpiClub (external site)

Adrenaline auto injector trainer devices are also available from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia’s (external site).

Adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed to patients assessed to be at risk of anaphylaxis. A personal ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (external site) should be completed by the person’s medical doctor at time of prescribing an adrenaline auto-injector.

Adrenaline auto-injectors are available on a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (external site) authority prescription. The authority prescription is provided by, or in consultation with, a specialist, with a maximum of 2 adrenaline auto-injectors per patient at any one time. No repeats can be issued. Renewal is required prior to the device’s expiry.

Continuing PBS authority prescriptions for adrenaline auto-injectors can be provided by your GP. If required, additional devices can be purchased at full price over the counter from a pharmacy without a prescription.

The purchase of additional devices over the counter are not subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and supply is at the discretion of the pharmacist who is legally obliged to determine whether the medication is appropriate for the patients specific situation.

A prescription will be provided upon discharge from a hospital or emergency department following treatment for anaphylaxis with adrenaline.

Used adrenaline auto-injectors that have been administered to treat anaphylaxis can be handed over to the ambulance officer when they arrive for the patient. It is also important to report to the ambulance officer the time at which each adrenaline auto injectors was administered.

Adrenaline auto-injectors that cannot be used (for example, if they have expired, have been accidentally fired or the liquid is discoloured or contains granules) should be disposed of appropriately.

Community pharmacies participate in a return of unwanted medicines service, and can accept medicines for disposal. Your local public hospital also has biohazard bins (yellow or purple), and can dispose of adrenaline auto injectors for you.