Anapen and Epipens. What they do and what are their differences?

In this week’s blog we will discuss the difference between EpiPens and Anapens for the treatment of Anaphylactic shock.   We will also briefly touch on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

The Anapen

Firstly, the new kid on the block, the Anapen.   The design of the Anapen is significantly different to its counterpart the EpiPen.   There is a safety cap over the red firing button to prevent accidental firing, and a sheath covering the needle end as well.   To fire the pen, remove the black needle sheath, then the grey safety cap covering the firing button.   Place the needle end firmly against the patient’s thigh and press the red button and hold firmly into patient’s leg for 10 seconds.   While this method is arguably safer, it is also far more complicated than the firing of an EpiPen.   I can also see an untrained person trying to administer this to someone, very easily injecting themselves with adrenaline accidently.

Cost is similar to the Epipen, although usually more expensive, the difference is usually only a few bucks.

Where the Anapen really shines is the shelf life of 2 years!   The Epipen will last only about 12 to 18 months before expiry.   So for a few dollars more you get an adrenaline auto injector that will last up to a year longer, sound like a bargain?   It is!

However the Anapen isn’t all sunshine and daisies, it almost always needs to be specially ordered as most chemists don’t stock them.   On top of that, it is more difficult to use than some other injectors, with more room for error.

The EpiPen

The EpiPen has been the standard for treating anaphylaxis for a long time now.   It is as simple to use as you can get.   You simply remove the safety cap and press the needle end firmly into the patient’s thigh until you hear and feel a click, then hold for 10 seconds.   Where the Epipen tends to fall short of the Anapen is value for money.   Both are around $100 usually if bought privately over the counter.   Because they are included under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with a script, both are only $34.20.  With a script and a concession card, only $5.60!!!

So in conclusion, the EpiPen is cheaper (fractionally), and easier to use.   It is probably more suitable to young kids as it is less confusing to administer.

The Anapen is far better value for money and will last a lot longer, but is more complicated to use and easier to accidently get wrong.

This is NFTI signing off for another week. Next time we are going to cover something new and exciting, stay tuned for more!

The NFTI Team