Skip to main content

Information updates

Updated ASCIA Adrenaline Device PBS Authority Form

ASCIA recommends the use of adrenaline (epinephrine) as the first line emergency/first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) using either of the following two brands of adrenaline injector devices, EpiPen® or Anapen®, which are both available in Australia on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).  EpiPen®  is also available in New Zealand (Pharmac listed since 2023).

ASCIA has updated the form "Request for initial EpiPen Jr or EpiPen or Anapen 500 to be provided on PBS Authority prescription by clinical immunology/allergy specialist" to include Anapen 500, and to make the form easier to find on the ASCIA website.

The form is available open access on the ASCIA website: www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-authority-form

When completing the form please refer to ASCIA Guidelines - Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Injector Prescription - www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-injector-prescription 

The current PBS Authority requirement for the initial PBS authority prescription is for up to two adrenaline devices to be provided to patients:

  1. Assessed to be at significant risk of anaphylaxis by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist, respiratory physician, paediatrician, or by a general practitioner (GP) in consultation with one of these specialists. Clinical immunology/allergy specialists often take calls from GPs wanting to provide an initial prescription, which needs to be done within a context that ensures appropriate follow up is in place. Since the PBS listing of adrenaline devices was first introduced in 2003, ASCIA has facilitated this consultation with a template form that can be used for initial prescriptions by GPs if the patient has not yet had treatment with adrenaline in a hospital. The form has recently been updated is now easier to access online at www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-authority-form  

or

  1. After treatment with adrenaline for anaphylaxis when they are discharged from a hospital or emergency department (ED).  This allows ED physicians to prescribe adrenaline devices without consultation with other specialists mentioned above, and may include GPs, particularly those in rural and remote locations.

Information about recent changes to Anapen is on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/info-updates/product-update-anapen-r-adrenaline-injector-devices

This news item was issued on 12 July 2024 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.