What is the prescription for an EpiPen (Epinephrine Auto-Injector)?

From the Guidelines

To obtain an EpiPen, you need to consult with a doctor who will assess your allergy history, determine if an EpiPen is appropriate for you, and provide the proper prescription with dosage information, as the recommended dose of epinephrine is 0.3 mg intramuscularly for adults and children greater than 30 kg, 0.15 mg intramuscularly for children 15 to 30 kg, or as prescribed by the person’s physician 1.

Important Considerations

• An EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) is a prescription medication used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) 1.
• The standard adult dose is typically 0.3mg, while children weighing less than 66 pounds usually receive 0.15mg (EpiPen Jr) 1.
• Your doctor will also provide instructions on when and how to use the device, including proper injection technique into the outer thigh, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after use.

Key Points to Discuss with Your Doctor

• Allergy history and determination of the need for an EpiPen
• Proper dosage information and instructions for use
• Importance of seeking immediate medical attention after using an EpiPen
• Education on recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis, including administration of epinephrine and calling 9-1-1 immediately when caring for a person with suspected anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

11 DESCRIPTION Adrenalin® (epinephrine injection, USP) is a clear, colorless, sterile solution containing 1 mg/mL epinephrine, packaged as 1 mL of solution in a single-use clear glass vial or 30 mL of solution in a multiple-dose amber glass vial.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE & HANDLING EPINEPHRINE INJECTION, USP 1mg/mL 1:1000 VIAL is supplied in the following dosage forms

The prescription for an EpiPen is not directly mentioned in the provided drug labels. However, the labels describe epinephrine injection which is the active ingredient in an EpiPen.

• The dosage form is 1 mg/mL,
• packaged as 1 mL of solution in a single-use clear glass vial or 30 mL of solution in a multiple-dose amber glass vial 2.
• It is also supplied in the following manufacture supplied dosage forms: Adrenalin 1 mL Single-Use Vials and Adrenalin 30 mL Multi-Dose Vials 2. The prescription for epinephrine would typically be for a specific dosage and administration instructions, but this information is not provided in the drug labels.

From the Research

Prescription for EpiPen

• An EpiPen is a device that administers epinephrine, which is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis 3, 4
• The prescription for an EpiPen typically involves the administration of epinephrine via an auto-injector, which is designed to be easy to use in emergency situations 3
• The dosage of epinephrine in an EpiPen is typically 0.3mg for adults and children over 30kg, and 0.15mg for children between 15kg and 30kg 3

Administration of EpiPen

• The EpiPen should be administered intramuscularly in the middle of the outer thigh, at a 90-degree angle to the leg 3
• The administration of epinephrine should be followed by supportive care, including monitoring of the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation 3
• Patients should be monitored for a biphasic reaction, which can occur 4-12 hours after the initial reaction, and may require additional treatment with epinephrine or other medications 3, 5

Adjunct Medications

• Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be used as adjunct medications in the treatment of anaphylaxis, but should only be administered after epinephrine has been given 3, 5, 6
• The use of corticosteroids in anaphylaxis is not universally recommended, and their effectiveness in preventing biphasic reactions is not well established 5, 6
• Antihistamines may be useful in relieving mild to moderate symptoms of anaphylaxis, but should not be used as a substitute for epinephrine in severe reactions 4