Always read the label. Use only as directed.
EpiPen is a life-saving treatment in the emergency management of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it should not be withheld from anyone who is considered to need it.
The EPIPEN Auto-Injector has a clear “viewing window” so you can see the contents.
Do not use EPIPEN if the contents:
- are cloudy or
- are coloured or
- contain sediment or
- if the “viewing window” is obscured.
These changes indicate that the effectiveness of the drug product may be decreased.
When the “viewing window” is obscured, the auto-injector has already “fired” and cannot be used again.
Check your EpiPen regularly
Do not use EpiPen
- after the expiry date on the EpiPen Auto-Injector and carton or
- if the packaging is torn, doesn't look quite right or shows signs of tampering.
If the EpiPen packaging is damaged or it is past the expiry date, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
It is important to know how to use an EpiPen BEFORE a severe allergic reaction causes a medical emergency.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to practice with the EpiPen Training Device. If you practice using the EpiPen Training Device, it will help you to learn how to use the real EpiPen.
It is important to regularly ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate use with an EpiPen Training Device.
EpiPen is effective as emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction ONLY when used according to the directions in this leaflet.
Give WITH CAUTION to those who have
- high blood pressure
- thyroid problems
- high pressure in the eye (narrow-angle glaucoma).
If you have a thick-subcutaneous fat layer, there is a risk of the adrenaline not reaching the muscle tissue resulting in a suboptimal effect. In such individuals there may be a higher likelihood of needing a second injection with an additional EpiPen.
Take care also when giving EpiPen to those
or who have:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- allergy to EpiPen
- brain damage.
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- depression, or are on medication for depression
- thyroid problems, or are on thyroid medication
- heart disease or high blood pressure
- diabetes
- high pressure in the eye (narrow angle glaucoma)
- asthma
- ever had an allergic reaction to sodium metabisulfite.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.