Auto-Injectors

Whether you carry an EpiPen^® or a Twinject^®, an auto-injector must be carried at all times. Accidents are never planned so it’s best to be prepared. The fact is that if a serious anaphylactic reaction did occur, administering epinephrine is the best way to manage it. Studies show that many tragedies occur when no auto-injector was being carried… so why risk it?

Keep in Mind

• Bring it everywhere

If you are not carrying your auto-injector, you are taking a major risk with your food allergies. Keep it in a bag, purse, waist pack, or pocket; just make sure you have it! A good rule to remember is: “No Auto-Injector, No Food.”

• Check the expiry date

Both the EpiPen^® and Twinject^® have expiry dates listed on the device. You can sign up for an e-mail reminder of your expiry date with both companies at www.epipen.ca or www.twinject.ca.

• Store it carefully

Do not store epinephrine auto-injectors in places where they can be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures such as a car's glove compartment. The medicine can lose its effectiveness under certain extreme conditions. 

• Show & tell!

Let your friends and family know where you keep your auto-injector and how to use it. Don’t be shy about it, as it might someday make all the difference in an emergency situation.

• Remind & review

Although you carry it every day of the year, how many times do you actually practice how to use your auto-injector? Refresh your memory and review your technique at www.epipen.ca or www.twinject.ca. 

• Don’t be afraid to use it!

The actual auto-injector needle is quite small. People who have used one often report that it’s easy to use, and that the shot helped give immediate relief of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

• Nearly three quarters (74%) of allergic teens say they always carry epinephrine.
   
• In a study of fatal anaphylactic reactions in Canada, only 8/32 individuals received epinephrine prior to arrival in the Emergency Department.
   
• One of the most common mistakes that people make during anaphylactic reactions is waiting too long to administer epinephrine.
   
• According to a study, only 45% of non-allergic Canadians would know how to treat someone having an allergic reaction by administering epinephrine.
   
• The EpiPen^® arrived on the Canadian market in the mid-80’s. Twinject^® arrived in 2005.
 

For more information on auto-injectors, see Anaphylaxis Canada’s FAQs.