Which is better – Epipen® or Anapen®?

For a very long time, Australians who suffer from severe allergic reactions to nuts, eggs, etc, really only had one choice in how to treat themselves when they have an Anaphylactic reaction - the Epipen®.

Epipen's are a small, portable device which injects adrenaline into the body to counter the effects of an allergic reaction. They are literally life-savers!

But in September 2021 the TGA approved another brand of auto-injector for the Australian market called the Anapen®.

Good news to counter Epipen shortages

For those who sometimes experienced shortages of Epipens, it was great news to finally have another adrenaline auto-injector on the market.

Now consumers have a choice and a real alternative if their preference is not available.

What's the difference between an Epipen and an Anapen?

There is virtually no difference between the pens when it comes to what each of them actually does.

Both the Epipen and the Anapen are designed to deliver a pre-measured dose of adrenaline directly into the body, usually through injecting it into the person’s thigh muscle.

The only real differences are in the way you use each one and sometimes the cost, which can vary widely.

An Epipen is traditionally used like this:

1. take it out of its hard container

2. flip the cap open at the top to get it ready,

3. make a fist around the Epipen

4. jab it firmly against the victim’s large thigh muscle, holding it there for at least 10 seconds.

When you jab the Epipen against the person;s thigh, it automatically releases a needle that injects the adrenaline into the body.

The biggest difference is that the Anapen does not come in a hard storage container. And it doesn’t have a cap at the top that you “flip open”.

Instead, it has a red button that you simply have to press as you jab it into the person’s thigh, in order to trigger the needle to inject the adrenaline.

Pros and cons of Epipens vs Anapens

Some people like the fact that an Epipen comes in a hard storage container. That gives them a sense that is "protected".

Others prefer that the Anapen is ready to go without having to take it out of the container. They like the convenience.

Pricing can be an issue too, but there is so much variability on pricing depending on where you buy your Epipen or Anapen from that you are best to investigate the options for yourself.

Whether you choose an Epipen or an Anapen, it’s vital that you make sure you carry it with you at all times. It's also vital that you have learnt how to use it properly so if the time comes you will know exactly what to do. That moment can be stressful, so it’s wise to be prepared.

If you are the parent of someone who needs to use an Epipen or an Anapen because they have some form of allergy, it can also be very reassuring to know how to do First Aid and/or CPR should your child need it.

This can be vital and life-saving in a serious case because sometimes the adrenaline provided by these devices is not enough and your child can still go into cardiac arrest.

There is a specially created First Aid course that teaches you how to look after someone who might suffer from severe allergies. Or even be Asthmatic. It's called. Asthma & Anaphylaxis training.

You can book in to do a course with us today. It’s quick and easy to book now at https://www.resultsfirstaid.com/courses It could be the best thing you ever do to protect someone you love so much. More than just getting them either an Epipen or Anapen.