{"id":76152,"date":"2024-09-09T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=76152"},"modified":"2025-02-21T16:06:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T16:06:11","slug":"guidance-on-adrenaline-auto-injectors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/guidance-on-adrenaline-auto-injectors\/","title":{"rendered":"Guidance on Adrenaline Auto-Injectors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have a serious allergy, then it\u2019s likely that your GP will have prescribed you an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) for use in case of emergency. Serious allergies can be life-threatening, so it\u2019s vital that you know how to use your AAI correctly – or know how to support a friend or relative who has one if they\u2019re unable to use it themselves. In this article, we\u2019ll look at what adrenaline auto-injectors are, the different types, how to use adrenaline auto-injectors and how to store them safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is an Adrenaline Auto-Injector?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An adrenaline auto-injector – also known as an AAI or an adrenaline pen – is prescribed to anyone with an allergy who is at risk of having a severe, acute allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The AAI contains a dose of adrenaline (also referred to as epinephrine) that helps to alleviate the symptoms of anaphylaxis once injected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anaphylaxis<\/a> is the name given to a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. When the body goes into anaphylactic shock after contact with an allergen, the immune system quickly overreacts and causes swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing and even unconsciousness. Common allergens are certain foods<\/a>, medicines, insect stings and bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An adrenaline auto-injector is used to treat anaphylaxis. <\/strong>Once injected, the dose of adrenaline inside the AAI helps to quickly reopen the airways, reduce swelling and maintain blood pressure. It takes just minutes for the AAI to be effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or someone you know has been prescribed an adrenaline pen, then it\u2019s important that you carry it with you at all times<\/strong>, as you never know when you might need it. Always check that your AAI is in-date<\/strong> and never rely on someone else having one available.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Types of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the UK, adrenaline auto-injectors are prescription-only medicines, prescribed by a GP or allergy specialist. The dose of adrenaline inside the injector will depend on the age and weight of the person who needs the device and will be determined by the healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of adrenaline auto-injectors available in the UK which we will cover in this article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. EpiPen (or EpiPen Junior).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Jext.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    How to Use an Adrenaline Auto-Injector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If someone is experiencing the symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should immediately call for an ambulance<\/strong> and let them know the person is having an anaphylactic shock. Whilst you wait for medical assistance to arrive, help the person to lie down with their legs raised,<\/strong> then administer their AAI if they\u2019re unable to do it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You do not need to remove clothing in order for the adrenaline pen to be used, as the needle will penetrate all types of fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The instructions below will help you understand how to use an adrenaline auto-injector, whether it\u2019s an EpiPen or Jext. You can also search for the manufacturers online and order a \u2018trainer device\u2019 that you can practice with at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    How to use an EpiPen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    There are some key steps to follow in order to use an EpiPen correctly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Hold the EpiPen tightly and pull off the blue safety cap straight upwards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Position the EpiPen horizontally, and hold the orange tip approximately 10 cm from their outer thigh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Whilst keeping it horizontal, jab the EpiPen firmly into the outer thigh until you hear a click, and hold it in place for 3 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Remove the EpiPen. As you do, the orange tip will extend to cover the needle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. If prescribed and symptoms don’t improve after 5 minutes, you should administer the second adrenaline auto injector into the outer thigh of the opposite leg if possible.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      How to Use a Jext Pen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      The following Jext pen instructions will help you to use the device correctly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Hold the Jext securely and pull off the yellow safety cap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Position the Jext horizontally, with the black end against the outer thigh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Whilst holding the Jext horizontally, push the black end firmly into the thigh until you hear a click, and hold it in place for 10 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Remove the Jext. As you do, the black tip will extend to cover the needle. Massage the injected area for 10 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. If prescribed and symptoms don’t improve after 5 minutes, you should administer the second adrenaline auto injector into the outer thigh of the opposite leg if possible.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        How to Store Adrenaline Auto-Injectors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The following safety tips will help you to store and manage your adrenaline auto-injectors correctly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n