Clinical Governance: ANAPHYLLAXIS ALERT - PATIENTS & CARERS TO CARRY TWO ADRENALINE AUTO INJ

Courtesy of OnMedica, we share

'Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Following a European review, the MHRA has issued updated advice on adrenaline auto-injectors. This states that healthcare professionals should: prescribe two adrenaline auto-injectors, which patients should carry at all times; ensure that patients and

carers have been trained to use the particular auto-injector that they have been prescribed, as technique varies between injectors; and encourage them to obtain and practise using a trainer device (available for free from manufacturers). It also advises people with allergies and their carers to carry two adrenaline auto-injectors at all times, particularly if they also have allergic asthma because they are at increased risk of a severe anaphylactic reaction; and to use the adrenaline auto-injector at the first signs of a severe allergic reaction. It adds that immediately after every use of an adrenaline auto-injector they should: call 999, ask for an ambulance and state “anaphylaxis”, even if symptoms are improving; lie flat with legs raised to maintain blood flow or, if they have breathing difficulties, they might need to sit up to make breathing easier; seek help immediately after using the auto-injector and if at all possible make sure someone stays with them while waiting for the ambulance; and, if they do not start to feel better, use the second auto-injector 5-15 minutes after the first one.’’

Joseph Ana 

Africa Center for Clin Gov Research & Patient Safety

@ HRI West Africa Group - HRI WA

Consultants in Clinical Governance Implementation

Publisher: Health and Medical Journals 

8 Amaku Street Housing Estate, Calabar
Cross River State, Nigeria

Phone No. +234 (0) 8063600642

Visit Website: www.hriwestafrica.com
E-mail: hriwestafrica@gmail.com