Emerade

What is the Emerade pen?

Emerade is an emergency medicine for anaphylaxis - a serious allergic reaction. It is injected intramuscularly into the outer thigh at the top of the leg.

The injector contains adrenaline (epinephrine) which counteract the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Adrenaline is the first line treatment for Anaphylaxis.

In an emergency scenario where a person's life if in danger, adrenaline injections are the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, due to the ability to be able to quickly and safely administer the required dose of adrenaline.

Emerade can be used through clothes.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is an acute and life-threatening reaction to an antigen. Common anaphylactic triggers include seafood, nuts, sesame, dairy products, eggs, insect bites or stings, rubbers or plastics, penicillin and other medicines.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

When someone who is sensitive to a particular trigger, they can experience symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Change in heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fainting (unconsciousness)
• Flushing of the skin
• Raised, bumpy rash (hives) all over the body
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face and throat

When someone experiences anaphylaxis, their blood vessels dilate, resulting in a dramatic drop in blood pressure. The heart rate becomes laboured and the soft muscles which surround the airways constrict, making it difficult to breathe.

Histamines, the chemicals which cells release in response to an allergic reaction, cause inflammation across the body.

How does Emerade work?

Emerade auto-injectors administer a dose of adrenaline to counteract the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Adrenaline constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure, while also increasing the heart rate to reverse the dramatic drop in blood pressure a person experiences during anaphylaxis.

It also prevents histamines from being released. These are produced by cells within the body to combat the allergen when present, however, they can also cause a host of other complications, such as inflammation.

This inflammation can cause the airways to become constricted, restricting the ability to breathe, or affect the skin, causing a rash. By blocking the release of histamines, the adrenaline can aid in breathing and prevent further reactions from occurring.

How do I use Emerade?

Emerade should only be used in a medical emergency.

Your Emerade adrenaline pen should be carried with you at all times. You should carry 2 Emerade pens in case of emergency.

Your doctor should have demonstrated how to use your auto-injector. If you forget, or someone else has to administer the dose of adrenaline in an emergency, the steps on how to use Emerade are printed on the side of the pen.

Family members and carers should also be instructed on how to correctly use Emerade if you are not able to.

To use Emerade:

1. Remove the needle shield
2. Press the injector against the outer thigh
3. Hold the pen for 5 seconds
4. Massage the injection site gently

If no response or improvement is seen from the initial dose of adrenaline, you can administer another dose between 5 and 15 minutes after the original dose.

Some liquid remains in the auto-injector, however, Emerade auto-injectors are not reusable.

Do not inject Emerade into the buttocks. This can increase the risk of accidentally injecting adrenaline into the veins.

You should lie down while waiting for the ambulance. This will help to keep your blood pressure stable and prevent injury from fainting. If you are finding it hard to breathe, raise your shoulders slightly.

If the person is unconscious, place the body in the recovery position until paramedics arrive.

Side effects and cautions of Emerade

Before you use Emerade, you must read the supplied patient information leaflet. The patient information leaflet contains instructions on how to use, store and dispose of Emerade safely, as well as important information regarding the safety of the product.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Emerade online.

Is Emerade safe for me?

It's important to inform our prescribers of any other medicines you are taking. This is especially important if you are taking:

• Antidepressants (Tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), since the effects of adrenaline can be increased.)
• Medicines for heart disease or medicines to treat disorders of the nervous system called alpha and beta-blocking medicines as they can reduce the effect of adrenaline.
• Medicines for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, such as catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors (COMT inhibitors)
• Medicines that may make the heart sensitive to arrhythmias, such as digitalis and quinidine.

If you are unsure whether Emerade is safe for you to use, speak to your doctor.

What are the side effects of Emerade?

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody experiences them. Understanding and being vigilant of side effects your medicine could cause is important to your health.

The following side effects have been observed in people who use adrenaline. But the frequency of these side effects cannot be determined.

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Decreased potassium
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Increased acid
• Increased blood sugar
• Irregular or rapid heart rate
• Nausea
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Vomiting

If you experience any side effects, regardless of whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet, inform your doctor.

How do I store Emerade?

Store Emerade below 25 °C, but do not freeze (0°). Always keep your medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use Emerade after the expiry date. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Discard and replace your Emerade pen after this date.

Check the solution regularly through the viewing window on the side. The solutions should be clear and colourless. If the solution has turned yellow or brown, or contains precipitate, discard and replace your Emerade.

What should I do if my Emerade pen is damaged?

If you drop your auto-injector, inspect it for damage or leakage. If the pen is damaged or leaking, discard and replace it as soon as possible.

More information about Emerade can be found in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. We strongly urge you to read the enclosed leaflet before you use Emerade.

Frequently asked questions about Emerade

What should I do if I accidentally inject myself in my hand?

If you accidentally inject your hand or feet with adrenaline, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Accidental injection of adrenaline can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, which will need to be treated at a hospital.

Can I use Emerade while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or intend on becoming pregnant, speak to your doctor for advice on using Emerade.

The effects of using adrenaline while pregnant have not been established. However, it is recommended not to avoid using Emerade in an emergency situation.

Can I breastfeed after using Emerade?

Yes, you can breastfeed after using Emerade.

Will Emerade affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Adrenaline is unlikely to have an effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery.

But your ability to drive or operate machinery may be affected by a severe allergic reaction. If you are affected by a serious allergic reaction, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel safe to do

Table of contents

What is Emerade?

What is anaphylaxis?

How does Emerade work?

How do I use Emerade?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions