EpiPen

If you have been prescribed an adrenaline pen in the past, you can order two securely through our online clinic, and have it delivered the next day.

When to use EpiPen

You should only use an EpiPen if you can recognise that you are experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Typical symptoms include tingling and swelling of the lips, eyes and face, itching and skin rash, tightening of the throat and difficulty breathing.

If you ever need to use an EpiPen you must also call 999 for an ambulance so that you have access to further medical assistance while you recover from the allergic reaction.

How to use EpiPen

Follow the instructions given to you when you were first prescribed an EpiPen. Each EpiPen also comes with full instructions on how to use it. You should familiarise yourself with how to use an EpiPen regularly.

Side effects

Side effects include palpitations (racing heartbeat), sweating, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting, dizziness, weakness, tremor, headaches, nervousness and anxiety.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Effectiveness

Your EpiPen should take effect as soon as it is injected into the body. However, you should also call 999 when you have a severe allergic reaction, to ensure that you get medical attention as quickly as possible.

​EpiPen can be life-saving for people who experience severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

How EpiPen works

All adrenaline pens contain epinephrine (commonly known as adrenaline), and each auto-injector contains a single dose of the medicine. You should be trained in the correct use of your EpiPen, as should your close friends, family, and colleagues (or teachers) so that they can administer it if you are unable to do so yourself.

Important information about EpiPen

EpiPen is a brand of adrenaline pen, used to administer life-saving medicine to someone suffering a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). It is therefore essential if you have been prescribed an EpiPen that you carry two of them with you at all times.

In order to purchase EpiPen's from our online service, you need to have already been issued an initial EpiPen prescription by your doctor. You must also have been shown how to use an EpiPen, and have a history of anaphylactic shock.

The EpiPens we supply with this service have an 8-10 month shelf life.

Safety: taking other medicines

You should be able to use EpiPen alongside other medicines in an emergency. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe EpiPen safely.

Alternative treatments

EpiPen is the only brand of adrenaline pen that we offer through our online service. Other brands available in the UK include Jext and Emerade. They all contain the same active ingredient (epinephrine), and are available in two different doses.