EpiPens for Schools

In an anaphylactic shock, the chemicals that run in your system in response to the allergen cause a drop in your blood pressure. As a result, the air pathways get narrow and block your ability to breathe easily. The adrenalin injected through the Epipen counteracts this fatal reaction by constricting blood vessels to reduce swelling and increase blood pressure. Adrenalin relaxes the lungs and throat and makes it easier to breathe. It also stops the further release of reaction-causing chemicals.

Epipen is an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) to cure and treat severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic symptoms are highly severe than normal allergic reactions. Anaphylactic symptoms appear when your immune system overreacts to any substance like some food or medication. It may also happen due to insect stings, exercise, or exposure to latex.

Anaphylactic symptoms include breathing difficulties, wheezing, clammy skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, confusion, anxiety, collapsing, or unconsciousness. Anaphylaxis develops suddenly and rapidly anywhere up to an hour or two after contacting an allergen. The anaphylaxis symptoms may become life-threatening. The EpiPen injects a dose of epinephrine, also called adrenaline, to control the painful symptoms of the anaphylactic shock and relieve the sufferer.

You are required to send us a signed letter from your school's headteacher or principal (or equivalent person) when placing an order.

The letter must:

1. Be on school letterhead
2. Contain a written statement from the headteacher, principal, or equivalent person highlighting their wish to order adrenaline pens for their institution.
3. Specify the purpose for placing an order of the EpiPens.
4. Mention the name (EpiPen, or Jext), dose (150 mcg or 300 mcg), and required quantity of adrenaline pen(s)
5. And be signed and dated by the principal, headteacher, or equivalent person

You can find an example letter on page 26 of the Department of Health guidance here. If you already have this letter, upload a scanned copy when completing the order form.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition. It may become life-threatening if not treated quickly. It is an immediate first-line treatment; the EpiPen is pre-filled with the adrenaline required to treat anaphylactic shock. You can self-inject it conveniently, or the person caring for you can administer it. First, make sure how to use it correctly. With the EpiPen, you need not wait for an ambulance to get first aid. However, it is advisable to call emergency services if you are stuck with an anaphylactic shock.

Adrenaline auto-injector is available in two doses from our site:

1. The 150 mcg (or 0.15 mg) dose for children weighing less than 30 kg
2. The 300 mcg (or 0.3 mg) dose for children weighing over 30 kg and for adults

The maximum dose of adrenaline for an adult is 0.5 mg. For a child, the maximum dosage is 0.3 mg. The ideal dosage depends on your body weight. Your consultation with one of our doctors encompasses the discussion on dosage.

You will get a pen-shaped applicator with an enclosed needle containing adrenaline. The EpiPen should be jabbed into your mid-outer thigh muscle to inject the epinephrine. Try to hold it in place until it clicks and count to 3. Hold the EpiPen for further 3 seconds to ensure you have received the entire dose. Massage the injected area for at least 10 seconds once the auto-injector is out of your thigh. For detailed instructions, follow the guidelines that come with the EpiPen.

For a more severe allergic reaction, you may administer another shot of epinephrine five to fifteen minutes after the first shot. If the doctor has prescribed you an EpiPen, make sure you have two pens for an emergency.

Epipen is an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) to cure and treat severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic symptoms are highly severe than normal allergic reactions. Anaphylactic symptoms appear when your immune system overreacts to any substance like some food or medication. It may also happen due to insect stings, exercise, or exposure to latex.

Anaphylactic symptoms include breathing difficulties, wheezing, clammy skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, confusion, anxiety, collapsing, or unconsciousness. Anaphylaxis develops suddenly and rapidly anywhere up to an hour or two after contacting an allergen. The anaphylaxis symptoms may become life-threatening. The EpiPen injects a dose of epinephrine, also called adrenaline, to control the painful symptoms of the anaphylactic shock and relieve the sufferer.

Since 2017, the UK government permits UK schools to purchase and hold spare adrenaline pens on site for use in cases of anaphylactic shock, requiring emergency administration.

It is essential for schools to follow this legislation as sometimes the student's own adrenaline pen is either not functioning or unavailable.

Schools do not require a prescription for purchasing adrenaline pens such as Emerade, Jext, and Epipen for this particular purpose.

You may read the instructions from the Department of Health here.

Trained individuals with their names registered are a must for administering the treatment. If your school has not found a training provider, the Anaphylaxis Campaign has set up the Allergy Wise for schools initiative to provide training and resources.

The instructions from the Department of Health specify that school staff members are not required to take the responsibility of administering emergency adrenaline treatment. However, it is better to have more staff members are trained to inject adrenaline as you cannot delay the treatment of anaphylaxes.

To ensure you get the full benefit of the EpiPen, store it correctly. Follow the recommendations for optimally storing your EpiPen:

1. Store it at room temperature, do not refrigerate it
2. Keep the EpiPen away from sunlight
3. Do not store in a car during hot or cold weather
4. Keep the EpiPen in its carrier tube
5. Keep it away from water