Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
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Appendix A<br />
About Ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e Auto-<strong>in</strong>jectors<br />
Ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e auto-<strong>in</strong>jectors (“auto-<strong>in</strong>jectors”) are easy to use with a concealed needle that conta<strong>in</strong>s a<br />
pre-measured dose of ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e. They are ‘<strong>in</strong>tramuscular’ devices which should be <strong>in</strong>jected <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
muscle of the mid-outer thigh to release the medication. There are currently two ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e auto<strong>in</strong>jectors<br />
available <strong>in</strong> Canada: EpiPen ® and Allerject. Both products come <strong>in</strong> two dosages or<br />
strengths – 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg – that are prescribed based on a person’s weight. For <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
about product features, contact the follow<strong>in</strong>g companies or visit their websites.<br />
EpiPen ®<br />
Pfizer Canada Inc.<br />
17300 Trans-Canada Highway<br />
Kirkland, Quebec H9J 2M5<br />
Web: www.epipen.ca<br />
Tel: 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361)<br />
Fax: 514-426-6831<br />
Email: corporate.affairs.canada@pfizer.com<br />
Allerject TM<br />
Sanofi Canada<br />
2905 Place Louis-R.-Renaud<br />
Laval, Quebec H7V 0A3<br />
Web: www.allerject.ca<br />
Tel: 1-855-405-4321<br />
Fax: 1-800-268-3846<br />
TIPS<br />
Colour<br />
Ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e should be clear <strong>in</strong> colour. If the solution is discoloured, cloudy or conta<strong>in</strong>s particles, the<br />
auto-<strong>in</strong>jector device should be replaced.<br />
Weight/Dosage<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to product <strong>in</strong>structions, the 0.30 mg dosage of both the EpiPen ® and Allerject auto<strong>in</strong>jectors<br />
should be used for adults and children weigh<strong>in</strong>g 30 kg (66 lbs) or more; and the 0.15 mg<br />
dosage should be used for children weigh<strong>in</strong>g between 15 kg to 30 kg (33 and 66 lbs). Individuals<br />
or their caregivers should consult with their physician to determ<strong>in</strong>e the appropriate dosage, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the switch from the lower dosage to the higher dosage and the dose for children who weigh less than<br />
15 kg (33 lbs).<br />
Body Position<br />
When giv<strong>in</strong>g ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e, it is recommended to have the person sit or lie down. When adm<strong>in</strong>ister<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to a child, it may be helpful to support or brace their leg to reduce movement. After giv<strong>in</strong>g ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
place the person on their back with their legs raised. 1 If they feel sick or are vomit<strong>in</strong>g, they should be<br />
placed on their side so that the airway is clear and they do not choke on vomit. It is important to avoid<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dividual immediately sit up or stand after receiv<strong>in</strong>g ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e as these sudden changes<br />
24<br />
<strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> & Other Sett<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Copyright © 2005-2014 Canadian Society of Allergy and Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Immunology