EPINEPHRINE (adrenaline), 0.15mg/0.3ml, auto-inject. pref.

• In the WHO list of Essential Medicines 2023

Adrenergic and dopaminergic agent, adrenaline

Emergency treatment in severe anaphylaxis, provided by medical staff in OPD settings prior to transfer to emergency department in an hospital setting.

Solution for IM injection in an auto-injector containing adrenaline injectable (1 mg/ml) in a pre-filled disposable automatic injection device, designed to deliver a single dose of 0.3 mg or 0.15 mg adrenaline when activated.

Must be given into the anterolateral part of the thigh (not in the buttock). It can be given through the clothes or directly through the skin.

Product is for single use in one patient only.

Dosage:

• Children ≤ 15 kg: 0.15 mg epinephrine (adrenaline) equivalent to 150 mcg adrenaline
• Children > 15 kg and adults: 0.3 mg epinephrine (adrenaline) equivalent to 300 mcg adrenaline
• Repeat same dose 1-2 times every 5-15 minutes (max 3 boluses) if no clinical improvement.

Caution! always check the dosage indicated on the cartridge.

Method of administration:

• Grasp the auto-injector in dominant hand, with thumb nearest safety cap.
• With other hand pull off safety cap by pulling it upwards.
• Hold the auto-injector approximately 10 cm from the outer thigh. The injection tip should point towards the outer thigh.
• Push the auto-injector firmly into the outer thigh at a right angle (90°). When the auto-injector is pushed into the thigh, a spring-loaded plunger is released, which pushes the hidden needle into the thigh muscle to deliver a dose of adrenaline.
• Hold the auto-injector firmly against the thigh for 3-10 seconds (depends of the model). The injection is now complete and the fluid control window of the auto-injector appears opaque.
• Remove the auto-injector.
• Massage the injection area for 10 seconds.
• Discard the auto-injector immediately after use. After activation, even through most of the liquid remains in the auto-injector, it cannot be reused.

The instructions for use are included in the packaging and must be carefully followed.

A trainer pen without needle or adrenaline for practising or instructing others in the correct use of epinephrine auto-injector is available (ETMECLISAI1).

MSF selected 3 auto-injector brands for both dosages (150 and 300 mcg): AnaPen®, Epipen®, Jext®. Codes are the same independently of the manufacturer brand. See below instructions for use according the model.