Auto-injectors (epi-pens) for anaphylaxis - an overview
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and is life threatening. A reaction can develop within minutes of exposure to the allergen, but with planning and training, a reaction can be treated effectively by using an adrenaline injection (EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr). An important aspect of anaphylaxis management is prevention and avoidance of the cause.
Please read Factsheet: Allergic and anaphylactic reactions.
Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis is the term used to describe a severe, systemic allergic reaction that involves the respiratory and/or cardiovascular systems. Presentation of any of these symptoms, in addition to one or more of the above symptoms of a mild-moderate allergic reaction, indicates anaphylaxis:
Difficulty/noisy breathing
Swelling of tongue
Swelling/tightness in throat
Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
Loss of consciousness and/or collapse
Pale and floppy (infants/young children)
Treatment
The first line treatment for anaphylaxis is adrenaline, which may be given as an EpiPenﾮ injection for children weighing 20 kgs or more, or EpiPenﾮJr for children weighing less than 20kgs. An EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr is a single dose auto-injector of adrenaline, which is prescribed by a doctor.
If a child has a history of anaphylaxis, and/or an EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr, the following recommendations should be considered:
Each child who has been prescribed an EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr requires an Anaphylaxis Action Plan, completed by a doctor.
The Anaphylaxis Action Plan should be provided to the school or child care centre by the parents, together with the EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr.
Employers should support staff training, so that all staff can recognise an allergic reaction and be able to administer an EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr appropriately.
If a reaction is suspected, the Anaphylaxis Action Plan should be followed.
If an EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr is given, an ambulance must be requested by phoning 000.
Excursions and Camps
The Departments of Education and Early Childhood Development have clear guidelines for taking children on excursions and camps. Schools and children's services must read these guidelines prior to going on any excursions or camps.
The EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr should be taken on all excursions and a staff member trained to use the EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr must always be present. The EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr must always be readily accessible.
Care of the EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr:
Clearly label storage container with child's name.
Check expiry date regularly.
Store at room temperature.
Store in a safe, easily accessible location.
A copy of the Anaphylaxis Action Plan should be stored with the EpiPenﾮ/EpiPenﾮJr. This contains contact details for parents/guardians and medical services.
