EpiPen

Buy an EpiPen Online UK

You can buy an EpiPen online from our UK registered online doctor and pharmacy service. This service is only available to patients who have been prescribed an EpiPen by their GP previously. As part of your order, you must complete a short online consultation in the form of an assessment. This helps our doctors make sure that it’s safe to prescribe for you.

If you are ordering on behalf of a school, please use our EpiPens for Schools page to arrange the order.

You can sign up for the EpiPen expiry alert service to make sure that you get notified before your injector(s) expire.

What is an EpiPen?

An EpiPen is a well-known brand of adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors. Adrenaline auto-injectors are automatic injection devices that contain adrenaline for allergic emergencies. It’s used to treat sudden life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) to things like foods, drugs, or insect bites and stings.

The injector should be used as soon as a serious reaction is suspected and can be self-administered by the person experiencing the reaction or by someone helping them. Although EpiPens are generally effective for managing anaphylactic reactions, you must always seek medical attention after using an adrenaline auto-injector.

How does it work?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger like an allergy. It happens when the immune system of the body overreacts to a trigger. This overreaction can cause many symptoms such as a rash; swelling of the lips, throat and tongue; wheezing; shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing, and vomiting.

An EpiPen delivers adrenaline via injection, which works on the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system to stop the serious effects of anaphylaxis. It works by constricting blood vessels, relaxing muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulating heartbeat and reducing swelling.

Dosages

An adult EpiPen is 0.3 mg and intended to be used by people with a bodyweight above 25 kg (3 stone 13 lbs). For people or children weighing less than 25 kg (3 stone 13lbs), EpiPen Jr may be more appropriate for use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure.

How to use an EpiPen

The EpiPen website has a useful guide and video on how to use your injector. You should make sure you know how to use an EpiPen when it’s first prescribed for you. Instructions are also included on the side of each injector.

To use it, grab the injector with your dominant hand and remove the blue safety cap. Hold the injector at 90 degrees and approximately 10cm away from your outer thigh. The orange tip should be pointing towards your outer thigh. Jab the EpiPen into your outer thigh at a right angle and hold it firmly for 3 seconds before removing it.

The EpiPen needle length can go through certain clothing. There’s no need to remove clothing when using the injector, but make sure that it won’t hit things like buttons, zippers or buckles.

The injector has a small window that allows you to see the liquid inside. You should regularly check this to make sure the solution is still clear and colourless. If you notice the solution is discoloured or contains particles, you should replace it, even if you notice it before the expiry date. You should regularly check your injectors to make sure they are still in date.

You should carry two injectors with you at all times. A second injection of adrenaline can be given after 5-15 minutes if the symptoms haven’t improved.

EpiPen Summary

EpiPen Prices

Alternative treatments

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be fatal. You should call 999 straight away, even if you have an adrenaline auto-injector. EpiPen (epinephrine) is one brand of adrenaline auto-injector that’s available in the UK.

Two other brands, called Jext and Emerade, are available to be prescribed in the UK. These are also adrenaline auto-injectors but there are slight differences in the instructions for each brand.

EpiPen Side Effects

The side effects include an irregular heartbeat, nausea, sweating, vomiting, dizziness and high blood pressure. A portion of these side effects may be attributed to the stress of the situation and the normal reaction of the body to adrenaline. See the patient information leaflet for further details on the possible side effects.

FAQ

Where can I buy an EpiPen in the UK?

EpiPens, in the UK, are a prescription-only medicine. This means you can’t buy them over the counter. If you are at risk or have a history of anaphylaxis, your GP will prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector for you to carry at all times.

You can also request to buy EpiPens online from registered online pharmacies such as Simple Online Pharmacy. This service can be used by people who have been prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors by their GP.

What does an EpiPen do?

It contains adrenaline and is used to treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a potentially life-threatening situation and an EpiPen can be used to stop it from getting worse and is potentially life-saving. You should always call an ambulance if you suspect anaphylaxis, even if you have used an adrenaline auto-injector to treat it.

Do you need a prescription for an EpiPen?

Yes, in the UK EpiPen is a prescription-only medicine and must be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional. Other adrenaline auto-injectors like Jext and Emerade are also prescription-only medicines.

Where do you inject an EpiPen?

An EpiPen should be injected into the outer thigh. It should not be injected anywhere else. There’s no need to remove clothing when using the injector, but make sure that it won’t hit things like buttons, zippers or buckles.

How much does an EpiPen cost in the UK?

You can get an EpiPen for free on the NHS if you have an exemption, or you may have to pay a prescription charge. Our EpiPen price at Simple Online Pharmacy is £47.95 per injector.

Author

	Name	Hywel McGlinchy
	Role	Clinical Pharmacist
	Qual.	Masters of Pharmacy
	About	Hywel started with Simple Online Pharmacy in 2020. He’s responsible for helping review and author accurate site content. He works with our GPs to make sure all aspects of the medicines are covered.