Guidance

Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs)

Updated 19 June 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adrenaline-auto-injectors-aais-safety-campaign/adrenaline-auto-injectors-aais

Introduction

AAIs are intended for self-administration by a patient, or administration by a carer, and should be always carried by patients considered to be at risk of anaphylaxis, so the medicine is available for immediate use, before the arrival of the emergency services. Death from anaphylaxis can occur within a very short period and therefore swift intervention by the administration of AAIs can be lifesaving. AAIs are critical medicines, their effectiveness being of utmost importance.

MHRA Adrenaline Auto Injector Safety Campaign

View the above video with Welsh subtitles: https://youtu.be/iO_Qe3X7-WA

Background

In October 2019 the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) endorsed the formation of an Adrenaline Auto-injector Expert Working Group (AAI EWG) to examine a range of issues to support the effective and safe use of AAIs for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

One of the agreed actions for the group was to improve communication channels and develop a communication campaign so that patients, healthcare professionals and the wider public can be better informed and therefore equipped to understand the importance of AAIs as a potential life-saving medicine.

View the full Public Assessment Report: Recommendations to support the effective and safe use of adrenaline auto-injectors

  • The UK has some of the highest rates of allergic conditions in the world, with over 20% of the population affected by one or more allergic disorder. (M. L. Levy, 2004).
  • 44% of British adults now suffer from at least one allergy and the number of sufferers is on the rise, growing by around 2 million between 2008 and 2009. Almost half (48%) of sufferers have more than one allergy – that is around 10 million people (Foods Matter, 2010)
  • Hospital admissions for allergy and anaphylaxis in England rose nearly 100%, in the 20 years between 2001-02 and 2021-22 (NHS Digital’s Hospital Episode Statistics, Admitted Patient Care)
  • MHRA reinforces anaphylaxis emergency guidance as hospital admissions rise.

What anaphylaxis is, and what to do in an emergency

The following animation and infographic show how to correctly use your Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI):

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Further information on anaphylaxis and allergies

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