People who are at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions carry EpiPens. These automatic injection devices can save a life when medical assistance isn’t close at hand.

It’s important to understand what EpiPens are and how they work, whether you or a loved one carry one or to boost your first aid skills.

So, if you’ve ever wondered ‘How do EpiPens work?’, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll answer all your questions on EpiPens in our latest post.

What exactly is an EpiPen?

An EpiPen is a medical device that is filled with a medication called epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), which treats severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). When pressed against the skin, the medication is injected through a small needle at the end.

EpiPens are available in versions suitable for both adults and children (EpiPen Jr).

Who needs an EpiPen?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in seven Australians have an allergy. Some of these will have a severe allergy, which can cause anaphylaxis. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, your doctor may recommend that you carry an EpiPen with you at all times.

That’s because during an anaphylactic reaction, swelling around your airways can make it very difficult to breathe. Having an EpiPen at hand means you can get the medication you need straight away, without having to wait for medical assistance.

How to recognise anaphylaxis

It’s important to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis in yourself or others so you know if you need to use an EpiPen. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Swelling around the throat, face or lips
  • Feeling faint, fainting or collapsing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Pale or clammy skin
  • Low blood pressure
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

How do I use an EpiPen?

If you have been prescribed an EpiPen, your doctor will have explained when and how you should use it. But here’s a guide for your reference:

  • Open the yellow cap and remove the device from its case.
  • Hold the device with the orange tip pointing in a downward direction.
  • Remove the blue safety release.
  • Position the orange tip on your outer thigh, holding the device at right angles.
  • Pull it back a short distance, then press the tip firmly into your thigh (which can remain clothed). You should now hear a click.
  • Hold in place for 3 seconds.
  • Once the 3 seconds is up, remove the EpiPen from your thigh.
  • Massage around the injection site for 10 seconds.
  • You can use a second EpiPen if symptoms do not improve (you should always carry a double pack of EpiPens with you).
  • Get medical assistance straight after using an EpiPen by calling triple zero (000).

You can follow the same routine if you are injecting the EpiPen into someone else, taking care to hold their leg steady. But do not use an adult EpiPen on a child — use the EpiPen Jr version, which contains the appropriate dose of epinephrine.

You can read more detailed instructions on using EpiPens here.

What else can I do if I have an allergy?

If you have an allergy, it makes sense to take precautionary measures to avoid anaphylaxis and keep yourself safe. Here’s what you can do:

  • Know what your allergy triggers are and avoid them as much as you can.
  • Carry a double pack of EpiPens with you at all times.
  • Check your EpiPens regularly and make sure they are within date and the liquid remains clear.
  • Store your EpiPens at room temperature.
  • Use a practice injector to practice giving yourself (or another person) an EpiPen injection.
  • Make sure other people know about your allergy. To make it easy for caregivers to help you in an emergency, wear a medical wristband that clearly states your allergy. You can also have your medical ID bracelet customised to say that you are carrying an EpiPen. An alternative medical ID is a wallet card with space to write details about your health condition and medication.
  • Make sure you get medical care after using an EpiPen, even if your symptoms have gone away.

Get peace of mind with a medic alert

Having a severe allergy may feel daunting at times, but with sensible precautions, you can lower the risk of having an anaphylactic attack. Knowing how to use an EpiPen in an emergency can also boost your confidence.

Make sure you wear a medical wristband stating your allergy and that you use an EpiPen too. It will give you the peace of mind knowing that you will be cared for appropriately in an emergency.

Take a look at our online shop, where you’ll find a wide selection of medical wristbands, necklaces and other medic alerts to help keep you safe. And be sure to contact the Mediband team for any help or advice on choosing your customisable products — we’re waiting for your call!