Adrenaline Injector Pens

We are writing to patients who have recently been prescribed an adrenaline injector pen in case of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). It may be that we have just issued this for the first time, that your previous pen has been used/expired, or that supply issues have meant we have had to prescribe you a different kind of pen on this occasion. As anaphylaxis is a medical emergency it is vital that you are aware how your current pen is used and that you are confident that it could be administered should it be needed.

Therefore we have attached a guide to your new pen and how it should be used. We would ask you to please take the time to read this and familiarise yourself with the technique for using it, as well as the other information attached. After reading the instructions, if you are still unsure of how to administer your new pen, please speak to your local pharmacist. In addition, we would ask you to kindly provide an up to date weight measurement if this has recently changed – this is particularly important in children, as a switch to adult doses is needed when body weight reaches 30kg.

Emerade

  • You must keep two pens with you at all times. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment. Please call an ambulance immediately. The first pen should be administered without delay and after 5-15 minutes, if symptoms are not improving, the second pen should be used. This may happen in the time before an ambulance arrives.
  • Regularly check the expiry dates and contact the surgery for a further supply in advance of your Emerade expiring.
  • Sign up for the free expiry alert service, which sends an email to remind you when your Emerade pen is about to expire (link below).
  • Check the ‘Inspection Window’ regularly to make sure the solution is clear and colourless by lifting the label. If the solution becomes discoloured or contains particles, it will need to be replaced, even if this occurs before the expiry date.
  • Store your Emerade away from extremes of temperature e.g. avoid leaving in the car on a hot day.
  • Make sure you know how to use your pen by reading the instructions carefully.
  • Watch the training video for more information:

https://www.emerade-bausch.co.uk/patient

  • It is recommended to share Emerade instructions with your family members, carers or teachers as appropriate.

How to use:

  1. Remove the needle shield (only one side of the pen has a cap)
  2. Press against the outer thigh, you will hear a click when the injection goes into the muscle.
  3. Hold in place for five seconds
  4. Massage the injection area gently
  5. Dial 999 (or ask someone else to) and say anaphylaxis

 

Epipen

  • You must keep two pens with you at all times. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment. Please call an ambulance immediately. The first pen should be administered without delay and after 5-15 minutes, if symptoms are not improving, the second pen should be used. This may happen in the time before an ambulance arrives.
  • Regularly check the expiry dates and contact the surgery for a further supply in advance of your Epipen expiring.
  • Sign up for the free expiry alert service, which sends a text or email to remind you when your Epipen is about to expire (link below).
  • Check the ‘Viewing Window’ regularly to make sure the solution is clear and colourless. If the solution becomes discoloured or contains particles, it will need to be replaced, even if this occurs before the expiry date.
  • Store your Epipen in its outer container (to protect from light) and away from extremes of temperature e.g. avoid leaving in the car on a hot day
  • Make sure you know how to use your pen by reading the instructions carefully
  • Watch the training video for more information:

https://www.epipen.co.uk/en-gb/patients/your-epipen/how-to-use-your-epipen

  • If you are still unsure, consider ordering a training pen for free from the Epipen website, which is a reusable pen to practice with as many times as you like.
  • It is recommended to share Epipen instructions with your family members, carers or teachers as appropriate.

How to use:

  1. Remove Blue safety cap – Hold Epipen in dominant hand and take off blue safety cap. Remember ‘blue to the sky, orange to the thigh’
  2. Position the Orange tip – Hold the Epipen at a 90ᵒ right angle to the thigh, with the orange tip pointing to the thigh
  3. Jab the Orange tip – Jab the Epipen firmly into outer thigh at a right angle, hold for 3 seconds before carefully removing and discarding
  4. Dial 999 – Dial 999 (or ask someone else to) and say anaphylaxis

 

Jext

  • You must keep two pens with you at all times. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment. Please call an ambulance immediately. The first pen should be administered without delay and after 5-15 minutes, if symptoms are not improving, the second pen should be used. This may happen in the time before an ambulance arrives.
  • Regularly check the expiry dates and contact the surgery for a further supply in advance of your Jext expiring.
  • Sign up for the free expiry alert service, which sends a text or email to remind you when your Jext pen is about to expire (link below).
  • Download the Jext app if you have a smartphone for instructions on how to use and information on anaphylaxis.
  • Check the ‘Inspection Window’ regularly to make sure the solution is clear and colourless. If the solution becomes discoloured or contains particles, it will need to be replaced, even if this occurs before the expiry date.
  • Store your Jext in its outer container (to protect from light) and away from extremes of temperature e.g. avoid leaving in the car on a hot day.
  • Make sure you know how to use your pen by reading the instructions carefully.
  • Watch the relevant training video for more information:
  • It is recommended to share Jext instructions with your family members, carers or teachers as appropriate.

How to use:

  1. Hold the Jext pen in your dominant hand with your thumb closest to the yellow cap.
  2. Remove yellow cap with your other hand.
  3. Place the black injector tip against your outer thigh, holding at a 90ᵒ right angle.
  4. Push the black tip firmly into your outer thigh until you hear a ‘click’, then keep it pushed in. Hold the injector firmly in place against the thigh for 10 seconds, then remove. The black tip will extend automatically and hide the needle.
  5. Massage the injection area for 10 seconds.
  6. Dial 999 (or ask someone else to) and say anaphylaxis