Adrenaline for anaphylaxis kits - a reminder to healthcare professionals

This is a message on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

You will be aware of the MHRA patient level recalls of Emerade 150microgram, 300microgram and 500microgram devices on 4 March, 7 April and 18 May 2020, respectively.

The advice remains to conserve supplies of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) for patients who truly need them. Some dental practices may be holding EpiPen or Jext devices, 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.

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 supplies for patients, parents, carers, teachers, etc. who, as lay persons, cannot be expected to administer adrenaline via a needle and syringe.

The Green Book and Resus Council guidance provides additional advice to healthcare professionals on the use of adrenaline in response to anaphylaxis.

Supplies of adrenaline ampoules are currently available and there is an expectation that dental practices should use these in preference to AAIs.

All enquiries relating to this issue should be sent to the DHSC Medicine Supply Team at DHSCmedicinesupplyteam@dhsc.gov.uk.