Adrenaline Pens in Schools

This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Public Health Programme Officer, Timothy Howells, for the attention of all Early Years settings, Primary and Secondary Schools.

A fault has been identified with some Emerade adrenaline pens meaning that there is a risk of Emerade product failing to deliver a dose of adrenaline from the syringe due to blockage of the needle.

The MHRA state there is a low risk of the pens being defective but there is no way for the patient to tell by looking at an unused device that it is faulty. 

We recognise that we are coming to the end of the school term now but if you have not already done so please could you remind your parents that children should have access to 2 epi-pens –  emphasising that two pens are already recommended to be carried at all times in case the patient does not improve after the first injection which may occur for a number of reasons.

Parents and guardians should have been informed via their healthcare professional so this is an extra communication reminder.  If you would like to find out more please contact timothy.howells@slough.gov.uk.