What to do if you
think you have the
symptoms of
anaphylaxis
(severe allergic
reaction)

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which can be potentially life-threatening. It should always be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment.1

If your doctor or specialist has diagnosed you or your child with the risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction),

and you believe symptoms have started, EpiPen® Auto-Injector should be used immediately and call 111 for an ambulance.

If you or your child have not been diagnosed with the risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction),

and you believe symptoms have started, call 111 immediately for an ambulance.

If you're not sure of the signs and symptoms, review the list here.

The following procedure is based on ASCIA Recommendations2

1

Lay person flat. DO NOT allow them to stand or walk. If unconscious, place in recovery position. If breathing is difficult allow them to sit.

2

Give EpiPen® Auto-Injector (it can be used through clothing or directly on to the skin).

1

Remember: Blue to
the sky

Grasp with orange tip pointing downward.
Remove blue safety cap by pulling straight up – do not bend or twist.

2

Remember: Orange to the thigh.

Hold the orange tip 5 cm away from the outer mid-thigh at a right angle (90-degree angle). Push the auto-injector firmly into the thigh until a click is heard or felt. Hold firmly in place for approximately 3 seconds and then remove.

3

Phone for an ambulance - call 111.

4

Phone family/emergency contact.

5

If the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis don’t improve, or get worse, you can use a second EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injector, 5-15 minutes after the first dose.
Do not inject more than two sequential doses of EpiPen® Auto-Injector unless under medical supervision.2

6

Transfer the person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation.

Commence CPR at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Note: ALWAYS give EpiPen® Auto-Injector FIRST, and then asthma reliever puffer if someone with known asthma and allergy to food, insects or medication has SUDDEN BREATHING DIFFICULTY (including wheeze, persistent cough or hoarse voice) even if there are no skin symptoms.

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Warning signs

Sometimes, before an anaphylactic reaction occurs, a person experiences milder symptoms. These may include tingling of the skin or abdominal pain and vomiting. These early symptoms can be a useful warning that exposure to a trigger has occurred, and that treatment may be needed.5
Speak to your doctor about the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) and learn the warning signs for you or your child.

If you’re unsure if anaphylaxis is occurring it’s better to use EpiPen® Auto-Injector.6,7

See all signs and symptoms