What is Anapen® & what is it used for?
Anapen® is an adrenaline autoinjector for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.
It is available as Anapen® 500 and contains a single 500 mcg dose of adrenaline. Anapen® 500 is the only 500 mcg adrenaline autoinjector available in Australia.
All other available autoinjectors are either 150 mcg or 300 mcg.
Anapen® has been available in Europe for many years and is the leading brand in France, Italy and Greece.
Why 500 mcg of adrenaline?
In an emergency setting, such as an ambulance or hospital, 500 mcg is the standard adrenaline dose administered intramuscularly for the treatment of anaphylaxis using syringe and ampoule (adrenaline ampoule @ 1000 mcg/mL) as per the Australian Critical Care Standards for Anaphylaxis for patients >50 kg*.
In the event of anaphylaxis, receiving an initial 500 mcg dose of adrenaline may prevent the need for further adrenaline, which is important if only one autoinjector is carried and the ambulance is delayed.
Did you know?
In a recent Australian study, more than 40% of anaphylaxis patients
needed additional doses of adrenaline when in hospital emergency.1
The Anapen® device
The Anapen® device has a straightforward design with four main parts.
- Needle end: with label and arrow pointing to it
- Red button end: covered by a grey safety cap when not in use
- Inspection window: use to check the adrenaline is clear, colourless and not cloudy
- Deployment indicator: shows red when adrenaline has been administered
Labels on the device give instructions on how to use as well as general advice, batch and expiry
information.
Looking after
your Anapen®
It is important to look after your Anapen® autoinjectors, so they are ready to administer in the event of anaphylaxis.
- Store in a cool dry place below 25°C
- Do not refrigerate or freeze
- Protect from light
- Regularly check the adrenaline is clear, colourless and not cloudy
- Make a note of the expiry date and register for expiry reminders to ensure your Anapen® autoinjectors are never out of date
Hard plastic cases are available free of charge from your pharmacist.
* Anapen® 500 is recommended for patients >60kg. Reference: 1. Chatelier J et al. Int Med J 2021;51:2133–9.