Anapen

Anapen is an adrenaline auto-injector used to treat Anaphylaxis in an emergency. If someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction, use the Anapen immediately if it is available, then call 000 for an ambulance.

What is Anapen?

Anapen is one of the adrenaline auto-injector brands available in Australia. The medicine inside it is adrenaline, which is also called Epinephrine.

The device is designed to give a single fixed dose into the outer thigh during a severe allergic reaction. It is an emergency first aid tool, not a replacement for medical care.

When should Anapen be used?

Use Anapen immediately if someone may be having Anaphylaxis. Warning signs can include:

• difficult or noisy breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling or tightness in the throat
• difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
• wheeze or a persistent cough
• persistent dizziness or collapse
• pale and floppy appearance in young children

If you are unsure whether it is severe enough, it is safer to use the adrenaline auto-injector than to delay treatment for a life-threatening reaction.

If you are not sure whether it is anaphylaxis or an Asthma Attack, use the adrenaline auto-injector first. Then follow with the usual asthma reliever first aid while waiting for the ambulance.

How do you use Anapen?

In plain English, the usual emergency steps are:

1. Remove the black needle shield by pulling hard.
2. Remove the grey safety cap from the red button.
3. Hold the open needle end against the outer thigh at a right angle.
4. Press the red button so it clicks and hold for 3 seconds.
5. Remove the injector slowly and record the time it was given.
6. Call 000 and continue anaphylaxis first aid while waiting for the ambulance.

The injection can usually be given through clothing, but avoid pockets or thick seams.

What should happen after using Anapen?

After using Anapen:

• lay the person flat if possible
• do not let them stand or walk
• if breathing is difficult, allow them to sit on the ground with legs outstretched
• if they are vomiting or unresponsive but breathing normally, use the Recovery Position if appropriate
• stay with them and watch breathing and response closely

If there is no clear improvement after 5 minutes and another adrenaline auto-injector is available, another dose may be needed.

Anapen, EpiPen, and epinephrine

Anapen and EpiPen are both adrenaline auto-injector brands used to treat anaphylaxis, but the devices are not used in exactly the same way. Follow the steps for the brand that has actually been prescribed or supplied.

Epinephrine is the medicine inside the device. Anaphylaxis is the life-threatening allergic reaction it is used to treat.

When to start CPR

If the person becomes Unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR immediately and follow emergency call-taker instructions.

Summary

Anapen is an adrenaline auto-injector used to treat anaphylaxis fast. Use it immediately if someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction, then call 000, keep them safely positioned, and watch breathing and response closely until help arrives.

Sources reviewed

• ASCIA: adrenaline (epinephrine) devices
• ASCIA: how to give adrenaline devices
• ASCIA: anaphylaxis information and current device links
• Triple Zero: official emergency calling guidance

Reviewed against current Australian allergy, first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace a person’s current ASCIA Action Plan, device instructions, emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.