Anapen Adrenaline Auto-Injector

Anapen have launched an adrenaline autoinjector which contains a 0.5mg (500 microgram) dose. Anapen recommended this dose for large adults. Anapen and Epipen both continue to be available in 0.3mg (300 microgram) and 0.15mg (150 microgram) doses for adults and children respectively.

According to the UK Resuscitation Council guidelines, the dose of adrenaline that should be given by healthcare professionals treating an adult suffering from anaphylaxis is 0.5mg. However this dose has never been available in an autoinjector, and patients who are prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors for self-administration (or administration to a relative) are prescribed either a 0.3mg injector (adult) or 0.15mg injector (child - although large children may be prescribed an 'adult' injector).

The launch of this 0.5mg autoinjector means that a 0.5mg dose is now available for self-administration. This might be a more appropriate option for large adults or for those suffering severe anaphylaxis requiring more than one 0.3mg injection, and patients in these categories could discuss with their allergy specialist whether the new 0.5mg dose autoinjector might be more appropriate.