EpiPen for Immediate Anaphylaxis Treatment

An emergency injection device filled with epinephrine, used for the immediate treatment of anaphylaxis.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription only, available at pharmacies
Applicable for
Epinephrine
Adrenaline
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

EpiPen FAQ


Image credit: uoflhealth.org

What is EpiPen used for?

EpiPen is prescribed for the emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system responds to a substance that isn’t a threat to your body. These substances are called allergens. Examples of allergens include:

What is EpiPen (epinephrine)?

EpiPen (epinephrine) is a prescription drug-device combination product that’s used as an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The drug comes inside a prefilled injection pen for injection into the thigh.

What is an EpiPen auto-injector?

An EpiPen auto-injector contains epinephrine, or adrenaline, for the immediate treatment of anaphylaxis. It provides essential first-line treatment if you have a life threatening allergic reaction. Around 1.6% to 5.1% of people in the United States have experienced anaphylaxis. It occurs when you have a sudden and severe allergic reaction.

What is the difference between EpiPen ® and EpiPen ® Jr?

A. EpiPen ® and EpiPen ® Jr are adrenaline auto-injectors which contain different doses of adrenaline. EpiPen ® contains 0.3mg adrenaline and EpiPen ® Jr contains 0.15mg adrenaline. The prescribing physician will prescribe EpiPen ® or EpiPen ® Jr depending on the patient’s body weight. EpiPen ® 0.3mg is recommended for anyone weighing over 25kg.

What is EpiPen ®?

EpiPen ® is an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) used for self-administration of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. 1,2 Below is a summary of the key features and benefits of EpiPen ®: 1,2 EpiPen ® has needle protection which deploys immediately after administration

Who should use the EpiPen ® website?

These pages are intended only for patients, parents or carers of those prescribed an EpiPen ®. Takes you to a website intended for people (not patients) looking to find out more information about EpiPen ® and anaphylaxis. These pages are intended for UK healthcare professionals who would like more information on EpiPen ®.

What should I know before using the EpiPen® auto-injector?

Read this Patient Information Leaflet carefully before using the EpiPen® Auto-Injector or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector (henceforth referred to as EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector), and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. You should know how to use the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector before you have an allergic emergency.

EpiPen References

If you want to know more about EpiPen, consider exploring links below:

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