Page 28 - Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings, 3rd Edition

About Epinephrine Auto-injectors
Epinephrine auto-injectors (“auto-injectors”) are easy to use with a concealed needle that contains a pre-measured dose of epinephrine. They are ‘intramuscular’ devices which should be injected into the muscle of the mid-outer thigh to release the medication. There are currently two epinephrine auto- injectors available in Canada: EpiPen® and AllerjectTM. Both products come in two dosages or strengths – 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg – that are prescribed based on a person’s weight. For information about product features, contact the following companies or visit their websites.
EpiPen®
Pfizer Canada Inc.
17300 Trans-Canada Highway
Kirkland, Quebec H9J 2M5 Web: www.epipen.ca
Tel: 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361) Fax: 514-426-6831
Email: corporate.affairs.canada@pfizer.com
TIPS
Colour
AllerjectTM
Sanofi Canada
2905 Place Louis-R.-Renaud Laval, Quebec H7V 0A3 Web: www.allerject.ca
Tel: 1-855-405-4321
Fax: 1-800-268-3846
Epinephrine should be clear in colour. If the solution is discoloured, cloudy or contains particles, the auto-injector device should be replaced.
Weight/Dosage
According to product instructions, the 0.30 mg dosage of both the EpiPen® and AllerjectTM auto- injectors should be used for adults and children weighing 30 kg (66 lbs) or more; and the 0.15 mg dosage should be used for children weighing between 15 kg to 30 kg (33 and 66 lbs). Individuals
or their caregivers should consult with their physician to determine the appropriate dosage, including the switch from the lower dosage to the higher dosage and the dose for children who weigh less than
15 kg (33 lbs).
Body Position
When giving epinephrine, it is recommended to have the person sit or lie down. When administering
to a child, it may be helpful to support or brace their leg to reduce movement. After giving epinephrine, place the person on their back with their legs raised.1 If they feel sick or are vomiting, they should be placed on their side so that the airway is clear and they do not choke on vomit. It is important to avoid having an individual immediately sit up or stand after receiving epinephrine as these sudden changes
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Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings
Copyright © 2005-2015 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Appendix A