Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Injectors - Fast Facts

ASCIA has developed this Fast Facts about adrenaline injectors, to summarise key points from the recently updated ASCIA Guidelines for Adrenaline Injector Prescription.

ASCIA PCC Adrenaline Injectors Fast Facts 2023123.75 KB

1. Adrenaline can save lives when used to treat anaphylaxis

ASCIA recommends adrenaline as the first line, emergency treatment for anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions), using either of the two adrenaline injector brands listed below, which are:

TGA approved and available on the PBS in Australia (EpiPen^®is Pharmac listed in New Zealand from 1 February 2023).
Widely used in other countries.

Anapen^®

Supplier: Allergy Concepts

EpiPen^®

Supplier: Viatris

Doses recommended by ASCIA

Anapen^® 150 (Jr): Children 7.5-20 kg (~1-5 yr.)
Anapen^® 300: Adults or children >20kg (>5 yr.)
Anapen^® 500*: Adults or children >50kg (>12 yr.)

Doses recommended by ASCIA:

EpiPen^® Junior: Children 7.5-20 kg (~1-5 yr.)
EpiPen^®: Adults or children >20kg (>5 yr.)
EpiPen^®: Adults or children >50kg (>12 yr.)

*The dose of adrenaline in Anapen 500 is consistent with the intramuscular injection (IMI) adrenaline dose recommendations in several publications for people who weigh >50kg.

2. It is important to know how to use Anapen^® and EpiPen^® devices

Anapen® (4 steps) and EpiPen® (3 steps) are both injected into the outer mid-thigh, but they have different instructions, which are on the device labels and the ASCIA website

ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis are available for each brand, or a General Plan with QR Code can be used, which links to instructions for both brands www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/how-to-give-injector

Instructions for both brands are included in ASCIA Anaphylaxis e-training courses

3. There are many reasons why it is important to have two brands

To ensure continued supply of life saving adrenaline, particularly if one brand has stock shortages.
To encourage suppliers to provide devices with longer shelf life.
To provide a choice of dose, if prescribers prefer a higher dose (500 microgram device) for people >50kg, which may reduce the need for further adrenaline doses in older teens and adults >50kg.
To provide choice for consumers to access devices with points of difference to best suit their needs.

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand

Content updated January 2023