Is Anapen the same as EpiPen?
Anapen requires a different administration technique to that of EpiPen. The Anapen autoinjector is triggered by depressing a red button with the thumb, whereas the EpiPen device is held mid-section — with the thumb and fingers forming a fist — and triggered by pressing firmly into the outer mid-thigh (Figure 1).
What is EpiPen used for?
This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. Epinephrine works quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
How do you give an Anapen injection?
Anapen® is administered via a simple, 4 step process³
- Remove black needle shield.
- Remove grey safety cap from red button.
- Place needle end against outer thigh. With or without light clothing.
- Press red firing button so it clicks. Hold for 10 seconds. Remove Anapen®.
Are Anapens still available in Australia?
Anapen® 150, 300 and 500 adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors are now available in Australia on the PBS as of 1st September 2021 in Australia. Anapen® is being made available by Allergy Concepts, which has partnered with Arrotex to ensure widespread availability in pharmacies across Australia.
What happens if you use an EpiPen on someone who doesn’t need it?
An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling.
Who needs EpiPen?
Used most commonly for severe allergic reactions, an EpiPen is an allergy pen prescribed by an allergist that can potentially save the life of a patient who experiences anaphylaxis — which is a condition that can be identified by: Skin rash. Nausea or vomiting. Trouble breathing.
What Colour is safety cap on EpiPen?
Grasp EpiPen® in dominant hand, with thumb nearest blue cap and form fist around EpiPen® and pull off the blue safety cap. Remember: “Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh”. Position Orange Tip. Hold the EpiPen® at a distance of approximately 10 cm away from the outer thigh.
Do you need a script for anapen?
EpiPen® and Anapen® are also available without prescription. Both EpiPen® and Anapen® devices are widely used in other countries.
Who owns anapen?
Anapen® is distributed in Australia by Allergy Concepts, a privately owned Australian company specialising in allergy treatments. Allergy Concepts aims to help healthcare professionals and their patients access innovative allergy medicines and treatment protocols to alleviate allergy-related conditions.
What happens if you administer EpiPen when not needed?
What is Anapen?
Anapen is a new adrenaline autoinjector for the emergency treatment of acute allergic reactions with anaphylaxis. Each Anapen device is designed to deliver a single intramuscular dose of adrenaline to the outer-mid thigh.
What is the dosage of Anapen for children?
Anapen (300 micrograms) or EpiPen (300 micrograms) Note: The respective product information leaflets state that Anapen Junior and EpiPen Jr are intended for children 15–30 kg, and Anapen and EpiPen for those over 30 kg.15–17However, the above doses are broadly consistent with intramuscular adrenaline dosing schedules.2,20
Can a general practitioner prescribe Anapen?
Patients previously issued with an authority prescription for Anapen can receive continued treatment from a general practitioner. Prescribe Anapen with a comprehensive anaphylaxis prevention program and patient action plan. Patients can only be prescribed one brand of PBS-subsidised adrenaline autoinjector at a time.
What happens if there is no response to the EpiPen?
Further adrenaline doses may be given if there is no response 5 minutes after giving the first dose. Watch this video from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia for a demonstration on how to use the EpiPen and EpiPen Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz5w9iRlh9Q