CDO issues EpiPen advice

Sara wrote, “You will be aware of the recent DHSC Supply Disruption Alert on EpiPen and EpiPen Junior adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) that advises conserving supplies for patients who truly need them. Some healthcare professionals, including dental practitioners, may be holding EpiPens or other AAIs, in preference to adrenaline ampoules, to treat anaphylactic reactions; this should not be necessary.

“All healthcare professionals providing services where anaphylaxis treatment may be required should have the competency to draw up and administer adrenaline from ampoules with a normal syringe and needle.

“Due to the shortage, we ask that when you renew the adrenaline in your anaphylaxis kits, you alert all your staff to please stock ampoules (ensuring you also include dosing charts, needles and syringes) and not AAIs. This will reduce the reliance on AAIs and therefore preserve essential EpiPen stocks for patients, parents, carers, teachers and others who, as lay persons, cannot be expected to administer adrenaline via a needle and syringe.