EpiPen Adult

Classification
Pharmacist Only
Use all medicines strictly as directed and if symptoms continue or if side effects occur, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Used for treating Anaphylactic Shock

EpiPen Television Spot

Purpose/Usage
Adrenaline is a naturally-occurring chemical that is released in response to stress. It binds to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, which are found all over the body, especially on the heart, lungs and blood vessels. When beta receptors are activated, they cause the heart to beat faster and more strongly, and increase the width of the airways in the lungs. There is also has a stimulating effect on the brain. When adrenaline binds to alpha receptors this causes narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. All of these actions prepare the body to cope with a stressful situation. Adrenaline is the first line of treatment in life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). In this situation the airways may narrow making it more difficult to breathe. One of the most important effects of adrenaline is to open up the airways to ease breathing. A second important effect is the narrowing of blood vessels which prevents or reverses falls in blood pressure. Adrenaline is also responsible for relieving itching, redness and swelling associated with anaphylactic reactions. As anaphylactic reactions (life-threatening allergic reactions) can develop within minutes of exposure to the trigger factor (which could be a bite or sting, food e.g. peanuts, drug or other substance) individuals who are at risk are sometimes advised to carry an automatic injection device. This can be used to give a dose of adrenaline immediately.

Precautions
Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. If there is an accidental injection into these areas, emergency treatment should be sought. The contents of the glass cartridge in the Auto-injector should be periodically checked to ensure that the solution is clear and colourless. Auto-injectors should ONLY be injected into the side of the the thigh. Do NOT inject into the buttocks. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor. There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

More Information
For further information please email us on info@netpharmacy.co.nz or call us on 3734485 (Auckland) or 0508 881188 (Outside Auckland)