Dr Bhavini Shah (GMC 7090158) outlines the importance of storing your EpiPen correctly to avoid malfunction, whether you’re at home, away on holiday, or at a festival this summer.
What is an Epipen?
EpiPen is a brand of adrenaline pen, designed to administer life-saving medicine to someone suffering with a severe allergic reaction also known as anaphylaxis. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen it is vital that you carry two of them with you at all times.
When to use Epipen
With over 20% of the UK’s population affected by at least one allergy, adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are an important healthcare product used for those at risk of anaphylaxis and can save lives.
People who might need to carry an Epipen are those with severe allergies. Common anaphylaxis triggers include food allergies such as nut allergies, shellfish, milk and wheat or insect stings from mosquitoes, bees or wasps (Hymenoptera hypersensitivity).
You should only use an EpiPen if you can recognise that you are experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms of anaphylaxis happen very quickly, they usually start within minutes of coming into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as food, medicine or an insect sting.
Typical symptoms include tingling and swelling of the lips, eyes and face, itching and skin rash, tightening of the throat and difficulty breathing.
How Epipen works
All Epipens contain epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and each auto-injector provides a single dose of the medication. It is important for you, your close friends and family, colleagues, or teachers to be trained in the proper use of your epipen, so they can administer it in case you are unable to do so yourself.
How to store an Epipen
It is crucial to store EpiPens correctly to ensure that they are working properly. Storing an epipen improperly can affect its effectiveness and safety. Here are 7 tips on how you should store an Epipen.
Easy to access
Perhaps the most important part of EpiPen storage is accessibility. If you are in an emergency situation, your EpiPen must be easily accessible. If you are away from home, everyone you are with should be aware of your allergy and the location of the EpiPen at all times.
You should store your EpiPens in your house in a consistent place so you or others can easily access them. If you cannot access your EpiPen quickly, this could result in not being able to administer the medication in time.
Preventative measures – carry appropriately
If you’re away from home, then take precautions to carry your EpiPen appropriately. To avoid extreme temperatures, you should carry your medication in an insulated protective case.
Store away from UV light
It’s important that Epipens are stored in a dark place whether that’s at home or when you’re out and about. UV exposure can cause the epinephrine in the EpiPen to degrade. So think carefully about your storage, although keeping them on the kitchen side may be accessible, it may be harmful to the contents.
Keep at room temperature
Epipens should be stored at room temperature. If you are on holiday, or at the beach, long term exposure to warmer temperatures may affect the effectiveness of the ingredients. High temperatures can cause the epinephrine to oxidise and may cause it to degrade more quickly.
The same applies for cooler environments, if the epipen is exposed to freezing temperatures. This could cause the liquid inside to freeze.
Avoid moisture
Avoid exposing EpiPens to moisture. The outside of the carrier tube provides some protection from moisture but it’s best to keep them in a dry place to avoid any contamination.
Check expiry date
Regularly check the expiry date on your epipen and replace them before they expire to avoid them not working properly in an emergency situation. An expired epipen may not deliver an effective dose of epinephrine.
Check the viewing window
Regularly inspect the EpiPen through the viewing window to ensure the solution is clear and colourless. If the solution is discoloured, contains particles, or is cloudy, the EpiPen should be replaced.
What to do if Epipen is stored improperly
If you are concerned that an Epipen has been stored improperly, you should:
Inspect the Epipen
Check the window, if it is discoloured, cloudy or contains particles, then it shouldn’t be used.
Replace if necessary
If the Epipen has been exposed to extreme temperatures for a prolonged period, then it is safest to replace it even if there are no visible signs of damage. You should consult with your GP or pharmacist for advice if needed.
Dispose of the Epipen correctly
Do not throw used or expired EpiPens away with your normal rubbish, as they can cause needlestick injuries to someone who might be handing the bag, as well as risk spreading diseases. It is important that you safely dispose of adrenaline auto injectors when they are out of date. Take them to your GP’s surgery, the pharmacy or your local hospital.
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