Auto-injectors

Sometimes we prescribe patients auto-injectors. Sometimes they bring them with them. If we don't know how to use them it can be embarrassing - although it isn't an "official" skill to have.

There are three types of auto-injector available in the UK, and which one your patient has depend on local variations. Most of them have a similar method of using - "black to attack, and grey away". There are plenty of videos on how to use them, and a friendly pharmacist may have a trainer device to use.

Jext
These are the newest type of auto-injector available and are very simple to use.

Epipen
This is the type of auto-injector most people know. It is very similar to the jext device. In the epipen the needle does not retract so there is a chance of a needle stick after using the device. It is easy to use.

Anapen
An anapen is slightly more complicated to use as it has lots more safety devices in built. Anapens were subject to a voluntary recall in March 2012, so we should not be seeing many anapens in the community.
LITFL has a nice little summary here.