Adrenaline Auto-Injectors - used to treat anaphylaxis
What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening, allergic reaction that can
affect many of the systems of the body, including: airways, breathing and blood circulation.
Anaphylaxis is uncommon. It is estimated that only 1 in 1,300 people will develop the symptoms of
anaphylaxis at some point during their life. Anaphylaxis affects people of all ages, but is slightly more
common in females than males. Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures for the years 2007 to 2013
show that a total of 4 people have died in Ireland from anaphylaxis during this period. (Data from
the CSO for 2013 is provisional. Data for 2014 is not yet available from the CSO).
Current arrangements for treating persons at risk of anaphylaxis:
A person at risk of anaphylaxis or acute allergic reaction may be given a prescription for an
adrenaline auto-injector(s) (also known as epinephrine). They are advised to carry the injector with
them at all times and ensure they know how to use it in the event of suffering a reaction. If they are
a young person their parents are advised to carry the auto-injector for them. If the person suffers a
reaction, they may be able to inject themselves or they may require help to do so. An adrenaline
injection must be given as soon as a serious reaction is suspected.
Risks associated with misdiagnosis of anaphylaxis and inappropriate administration of
adrenaline: Incorrect administration of adrenaline to persons with underlying cardiac arrhythmias,
cardiovascular disease including angina and hypertension could result in an exacerbation of these
conditions or significantly worsen health care outcomes for the person.
Adrenaline auto-injectors authorised for use in Ireland
There are three types of adrenaline auto-injectors authorised for use in Ireland:
o EpiPen: a needle releases adrenaline when it is jabbed against the outer thigh
o Anapen: the syringe must be held against the outer thigh and the button of the auto-injector
pressed, this plunges the adrenalin-loaded needle into the muscle
o Jext: should be pushed firmly against the outer portion of the thigh into the largest part of the
thigh muscle.
The duration of shelf life for these medicines is between 18 and 24 months. It is important to note
that auto-injectors with the longest possible shelf-life can prove difficult to obtain and will often only
be available with shorter expiry dates, e.g. 12 months. There will be a financial impact attached to
the need to regularly replace auto-injectors that have expired before being used.
In the following questions you will be asked to consider whether or not there would be benefit to
public health by making adrenaline auto-injectors available without a prescription to appropriately
trained non-medical persons for use in a medical emergency where there is an immediate risk to life.
You are also asked if you consider alternative or additional measures are needed, such as improved
public awareness about how to recognise the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and
what to do when this medical emergency happens.
Read more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of anaphylaxis here
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/A/Anaphylaxis/Symptoms-of-anaphylaxis.html
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QUESTIONS
Q1.
Please indicate in what capacity you are responding to this questionnaire
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Q2.
(i)
(ii)
registered health professional
carer
patient organisation
family
patient
teacher
member of general public
other (please specify)
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Have you or a member of your family or a person under your care ever needed to use this
medicine in an emergency?
Yes
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No
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If so, did you experience any difficulty in obtaining it?
Yes
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No
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If you answered yes please provide details of the difficulties you experienced:
Q3.
(i)
Do you think the current arrangements for supply and administration of adrenaline autoinjectors are adequate?
Yes
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No
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(ii)
If No, in what way are they inadequate?
Q4.
Do you think non-healthcare professionals, for example carers and teachers who have
undertaken the appropriate level of training and whose organisation has been appropriately
certified , should be permitted to administer adrenaline auto-injectors in emergency
situations?
Q5.
Yes
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No
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Please tick the option you agree/disagree with from the following statements
(i)
Adrenaline auto-injectors should be made more widely available to non-medical persons
for use in emergency situations
(ii)
Agree
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Disagree
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Adrenaline auto-injectors should be available in
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Schools and colleges
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Crèches and playschools
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Restaurants
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Sports Centres
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Other, please specify
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Q6.
What do you think would be the main benefits to having wider access to adrenaline autoinjectors for administration in emergency situations by appropriately trained non-medical
persons who have been authorised to do so by an approved body / organisation?
Q7.
What do you think are the main disadvantages and / or safety concerns to widening the
availability of adrenaline auto-injectors for administration by appropriately trained nonmedical persons in emergency situations?
Q8.
Do you think medical identification bracelets/cards would benefit persons at risk of
anaphylaxis in the event of an attack?
Q9.
Q10.
Yes
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No
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In your opinion is there sufficient information available for patients about this potentially life
threatening medical condition?
Yes
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No
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In your opinion is there sufficient information available for the general public about this
potentially life threatening medical condition?
Yes
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No
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Please save your answers and send to the following email address:
Medicines_Consultation@health.gov.ie
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