HealthInfo Canterbury
Anaphylaxis can cause death and is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone near you is suffering from anaphylaxis and they have an adrenaline pen or injection, give them adrenaline then immediately phone 111. Watch this short video on how to use an adrenaline autoinjector (all brands are similar and work the same way).
Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Causes include insect bites, bee stings, food (for example, nuts), and medications. Anaphylaxis tends to happen in just a matter of minutes. Signs and symptoms to look out for include:
|
|
An EpiPen is an automatic adrenaline injector for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Medical training isn't needed to use one.
Watch this short video on how to use an adrenaline autoinjector (this is an Australian video. In New Zealand phone 111 for an emergency).
You can get adrenaline injection pens online from Allergy Pharmacy or most pharmacies, and you don't need a prescription. The pens have an expiry date of one year and it's important to check this as an expired pen may not work.
Although adrenalin isn't publicly funded, ACC reimburse EpiPen when it's used as a treatment for an anaphylactic reaction. ACC may also provide cover for work and non-work-related anaphylaxis.
If you're at risk of anaphylaxis, talk to your general practice team. You can ask them to help you complete an action plan that you can then keep with your adrenaline. The practice nurses at your general practice can give you and your whānau (family) training in how to use an adrenaline injection pen.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
Resources about anaphylaxis, including action plans, checklists and information about adrenaline autoinjectors.
A factsheet about adrenaline autoinjectors including where to buy one and how to store it.
A downloadable pdf about allergic reactions to medicines and what to do if you experience one.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2022.
Review key: HIALL-38559