Instructions for the correct use of auto-injectors with the active ingredient adrenaline (epinephrine) for emergency treatment
Auto-injectors containing adrenaline are used for emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock or allergic reaction (e.g. to insect stings or bites, food or drugs). The active substance in the auto-injector (pen) is adrenaline, a substance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Adrenaline acts directly on the cardiovascular (heart) and respiratory (lung) systems: it rapidly constricts blood vessels, stimulates the heartbeat, raises blood pressure, dilates the bronchi, thus facilitating breathing, and thus counteracts the potentially fatal consequences of anaphylactic shock. The disposable pen is used as an emergency injection by the affected patient himself or by relatives or first-aiders. The Auto-Injector must be used immediately if there are signs of an acute allergic reaction. The instructions for use of the approved preparations must be carefully followed.
Situation in Austria
The following medicinal products are approved in Austria:
- Anapen 300 micrograms in 0.3 ml - solution for injection (pre-filled syringe).
- Anapen Junior 150 micrograms in 0.3 ml solution for injection (ready-to-fill syringe)
- EpiPen 300 micrograms solution for injection in a ready-to-use pen
- EpiPen Junior 150 micrograms solution for injection in a ready-to-use pen
- Jext 300 micrograms solution for injection in a prefilled pen
- Jext 150 microgram solution for injection in a pre-filled pen
BASG recommendations.
Recommendations for users:
- The auto-injector should only be injected into the outer thigh (directly into the muscle). If you are unsure how to use the Auto-Injector, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain how to use it again.
- A single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to counteract an allergic reaction. If your symptoms do not improve or even worsen within 5-15 minutes after the first injection, a second injection should be given. For this reason, it is a good idea to always have more than one auto-injector with you.
- When prescribing, please talk to your doctor about the correct use of the Auto-Injector, informing your doctor about any concomitant diseases (e.g. heart disease, hyperthyroidism, depression, high blood pressure or diabetes, or hypersensitivity to sulfites).
- In any case, seek medical help immediately after using the Auto-Injector, go to the doctor or to the nearest hospital.
Queries (technical): Dr. Christoph Baumgärtel, Tel.: 050555/36004 E-mail: christoph.baumgaertel@ages.at
