Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (e.g. EpiPens)
For patients who have been advised they need to carry adrenaline auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPens), we will only issue TWO adrenaline auto-injectors, BOTH of which must be kept with the patient at ALL times.
We issue two adrenaline auto-injectors because both may be needed to treat a reaction, one is not issued as a spare.
Allergic reactions can occur at any time or place, including travelling between home and school. It is not safe to rely on multiple sets of adrenaline auto-injectors being stored in different places (e.g. one set at home and one set at school). Nor is it safe to split the set and keep one pen at different locations.
Those caring for young children and adults who require extra support, need to ensure that both adrenaline auto-injectors are kept with the patient at all times, and will need to be competent in using the specific brand carried.
From 1st October 2017, schools in England have been allowed to purchase adrenaline auto-injector devices without a prescription for emergency use on children who are at risk of anaphylaxis, but whose own device is not available or not working. We advise you not to rely on this. We do not issue extra sets of adrenaline auto-injectors to be kept by patients’ schools.
Please note EpiPen is just one brand of adrenaline auto-injector, you may be issued alternative brands such as Emerade and Jext, which are equally recommended.
Always call an ambulance via 999 immediately at the first signs of an anaphylactic reaction saying “anaphylaxis” even if the patient starts to feel better.
This policy is based on guidelines set by Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, and is intended to maximise patient safety.
Training videos on adrenaline auto-injectors can be found at-
- Epipen: http://www.epipen.co.uk/patients/demonstrationvideo/
- Jext: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJNrIBksvWk
- Emerade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7PUsftg9ls
Further Information
Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group – Patient Information Leaflet: Adrenaline Auto-Injector Pens
https://tinyurl.com/HVCCG-AAI-Info
Hertfordshire Medicines Management Committee – Adrenaline Auto-Injectors For Treating Anaphylaxis in Primary Care
West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust – A guide to Adrenaline Auto Injector – Epipen
