For anaphylaxis · Written by the Lyng Pharmacy team, based on NHS and BNF guidance · Updated August 2026
Also sold asEpiPen, Jext, Emerade
Type of medicineAdrenaline (emergency treatment)
Available asAuto-injector pens
How you get itPrescription only
An adrenaline auto-injector is the emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. The single biggest cause of harm is hesitation — waiting to be sure. Adrenaline given early to someone who turns out not to need it does very little harm; adrenaline given late to someone who does can be too late.
When to use it
Use it immediately for any Airway, Breathing or Circulation problem:
Airway — swelling of the throat or tongue, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing
Circulation — dizziness, feeling faint, pale or clammy skin, collapse
Do not wait to see if it gets worse. Do not stand the person up. Lie them flat with their legs raised, or sit them up if breathing is difficult, or on their side if unconscious or vomiting. Standing or walking someone with anaphylaxis can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
How to use it
Lie the person flat with legs raised (or sit up if breathing is hard).
Inject into the outer mid-thigh — through clothing is fine.
Hold in place as instructed for your device (devices differ; check yours).
Call 999 immediately and say “anaphylaxis”.
If no improvement after five minutes, give the second pen.
Always call 999, even if the person improves. Symptoms can return hours later, so everyone who has had adrenaline needs hospital observation.
Carrying and checking
Carry two pens at all times — not one, and not left at home or in a hot car. Adrenaline degrades above 25°C and should not be refrigerated or frozen.
Check the expiry date monthly and the liquid should be clear, not discoloured. Set a reminder to reorder a month before expiry.
Register for the manufacturer’s expiry alert service, and make sure family, school or workplace know where the pens are and how to use them. Trainer devices are available free — ask us.
Practise with a trainer pen regularly. Confidence in the moment comes from having done it before.
Always read the label. This page is general information, not advice for your situation. Doses, warnings and interactions differ between products and between people. Check the leaflet inside your medicine, and ask our pharmacist if anything is unclear — that conversation is free and takes two minutes.
Questions about Adrenaline auto-injector?
1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich B70 7RW · Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm · 0121 500 5756
Immediately for any airway, breathing or circulation symptom — throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness or collapse. Do not wait to see if it worsens.
Do I still call 999 if the person improves?
Yes, always. Symptoms can return hours later, so anyone given adrenaline needs hospital observation.
Why carry two pens?
A second dose is given if there is no improvement after five minutes. Two should be carried at all times.
Should I stand someone up during anaphylaxis?
No. Lie them flat with legs raised, or sit them up if breathing is difficult. Standing can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
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