EpiPen®

This information explains how to use the EpiPen. You have been advised to carry an EpiPen with you if you are at risk of suffering from anaphylaxis: a severe allergic reaction. The EpiPen is an auto-injector that administers adrenaline (epinephrine), for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions.

Please remind yourself of these instructions and practice with the trainer pen every few months. Look at the training video online.

Administration of the EpiPen

Step 1: Grip the EpiPen firmly around the middle, with your thumb closest to the blue cap. Do not put your thumb over the end.

Step 2: Remove the blue safety cap with your other hand.

Step 3: Hold the Epipen a few inches away from the outer thigh, then firmly jab the orange tip of the EpiPen into the thigh and push firmly until you hear a click.

Step 4: Hold the EpiPen in place for a count of three seconds.

Step 5: Remove EpiPen after three seconds and the orange needle cover will extend to cover the needle.

Step 6: Get urgent medical attention: dial 999.

Important note

• The EpiPen may not go through thick clothing (for example denim). Please remove clothing where possible before administering the EpiPen. If using through clothing, avoid seams.
• Remember to check the expiry date every few months, register for an expiry alert at epipen.co.uk (opens in a new tab) and obtain a free trainer pen.
• Safe disposal of the used EpiPen. The EpiPen has a needle protector so no needle is exposed. The ambulance crew or attending doctor will dispose of the used EpiPen safely.

For further information please contact the Allergy Department:
Clinic 2a, Box 40, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ
Direct line: 01223 217777

References/sources of evidence

EpiPen website (opens in a new tab)

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device.