Description
Product Description
EpiPen is only to be used for the immediate emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction (also known as ANAPHYLAXIS). This medicine is for emergency only and you should seek immediate medical attention after using your Auto-Injector. Adrenaline also known as epinephrine is a natural hormone released in response to stress. In acute allergic reactions it improves blood pressure, heart function and breathing, and reduces swelling. Epipen is used for the emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis caused by peanuts or other foods, drugs, insect bites or stings and other allergens as well as exercise or an unknown cause.
Usage directions
It is important to know how to use your EpiPen in an emergency
Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to use
EpiPen Auto-Injector delivers one measured dose of adrenaline. This dose is intended for a person who weighs more than 30 kg and has been assessed by their doctor or pharmacist as needing EpiPen.
Your doctor or pharmacist may also advise EpiPen Auto-Injector for a child who weighs from 15kg up to 30kg.
NOTE: Unless otherwise advised by the doctor or pharmacist, EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injector should be used for children who weigh from 15 kg up to 30 kg.
Step 1
Flip open the yellow cap on the protective carry tube. Carefully tip and slide the EpiPen Auto-Injector out of the carry tube. Never place thumb, fingers or hand over the orange end as this contains the needle. Check the contents of the through the “viewing window”. Make sure the solution is clear, colourless and sediment-free. If the “viewing window” is obscured, the EpiPen has already “fired” and cannot be used again.
Step 2
Make a fist around the EpiPen Auto-Injector, with your thumb nearest to the blue safety release (see FIGURE 1).
Step 3
Activate the EpiPen Auto-Injector by removing the blue safety release with your other hand (also shown in FIGURE 1). This “triggers” the device. It is now ready to
“fire” the needle and
inject the medicine through the needle into the thigh muscle.
After you remove the blue safety release do not touch or place thumb, fingers or hand over the orange end as this contains the needle.
Step 4
Hold the EpiPen at a 90° angle (right angle) to the outer part of the thigh. Hold the orange end about 5cm away from the thigh (see FIGURE 2).
Step 5
If you are administering the EpiPen to another person, hold their leg firmly, especially if they are uncooperative.
Push the orange end FIRMLY into the outer mid-thigh until a “click” is heard or felt. Keep pressing firmly against the thigh for approximately 3 seconds (see FIGURE 3).
NOTE: EpiPen® may be used either
through clothing, as shown in FIGURE 3, or
directly on to skin.
Step 6
Carefully take the EpiPen away from the thigh.
The orange needle cover will extend to cover the needle (see FIGURE 4).
Check the “viewing window” – it should now be obscured. If it isn’t, the EpiPen® has not “fired” or worked. If the “viewing window” is not obscured, repeat steps 2-6 above.
Step 7
Record the time EpiPen was given.
Step 8
Seek further medical attention for yourself immediately. Although you have received adrenaline from EpiPen, you may need more medical treatment.
Always handle the EpiPen Auto-Injector carefully, so as not to accidentally activate it or make it “fire” or work.
Keep EpiPen in a cool dry place below 25°C. Temperature excursions between 15°C to 25°C permitted.
Keep out of reach of children
Ingredients
EpiPen delivers one x 0.3 mL dose of adrenaline (epinephrine). This dose provides 300 µg of adrenaline (epinephrine).
The EpiPen Auto-Injector holds 2 mL of adrenaline (epinephrine) 1:1,000 solution.
The injection also contains small amounts of
sodium chloride
sodium metabisulfite
hydrochloric acid.
It does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
Warnings
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the auto-injector. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This product is a Pharmacist Only Medicine and requires pharmacist advice. This medicine may not be right for you. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Your doctor should have carefully instructed you when to use and the correct way to use your Epipen Auto-Injector. You should tell your doctor if you are suffering from heart disease, including angina, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, lowered potassium levels and increased calcium in the blood, disorders of the blood circulation, phaeochromocytoma (a type of tumour in the adrenal gland), raised pressure inside the eye (glaucoma), kidney or prostate disease diabetes or any other medical condition. If you have asthma you may be at increased risk of a severe allergic reaction. Anyone who has an episode of anaphylaxis should see their doctor about testing for substances they may be allergic to, so these can be strictly avoided in future
While all efforts have been made to ensure that ingredient listings are accurate, up to date and complete for products on the Mail Order Pharmacy website, suppliers may change formulations on short notice. Please check ingredient listings on the actual product before use.
