What to do if your child has an allergic reaction Emerade® (adrenaline autoinjector)
Information for patients
NHS Lanarkshire Neonatal Department
PIL.PIREPI.87942.P
The following are symptoms of a MILD allergic reaction:
1. Swollen lips, face or eyes
2. Itchy or tingly mouth
3. Hives or itchy rash
4. Abdominal cramps or vomiting
5. Swollen or itchy eyes.
6. Runny nose or sneezing.
Give Piriton / Cetirizine – Dose can be advised by a healthcare professional or a pharmacist.
If after 10 minutes symptoms are no better, then:
Repeat Piriton/Cetirizine as above
And seek advice from your GP urgently (or NHS 24 if out of hours).
If features of a severe reaction, give Emerade®
Symptoms of a SEVERE reaction (anaphylaxis):
1. Hoarse voice
2. Difficulty swallowing, choking
3. Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze
4. Persistent cough
5. Dizziness, going pale or floppy, suddenly sleepy
6. Collapse, unresponsive [put child into recovery position]
Lie your child down (let them sit if they prefer) + Give Emerade®
Dose can be advised by a healthcare professional or a pharmacist.
Try to give Piriton / Cetirizine. If your child is wheezy and has a blue inhaler, you can also give 10 puffs of Salbutamol using a spacer.
How to give Emerade®
1. Remove needle shield.
2. Hold as shown in photo, placing tip at right angle to outer thigh.
3. Press hard until you hear a click.
4. Hold in place for 5 seconds, remove and rub site vigorously for 10 seconds.
5. Keep your child in the recovery position, or sitting if more comfortable.
6. Phone 999 for an AMBULANCE – state Anaphylaxis [AN-A-FEE-LAX-IS]. If there is no improvement after 5 minutes, give a further Emerade, if available.
7. Observation in hospital after anaphylaxis is recommended.
8. Ask your GP for replacement Emerade at earliest opportunity.
Remember, the best way to prevent reactions is to ask about ingredients, check labels, and tell people you have an allergy.
Always have your Emerade® and Piriton/Cetirizine with you!
Useful organisations
Children’s and Young People’s Allergy Network Scotland (CYANS)
Allergy UK or Tel: 01322 619898
The Anaphylaxis Campaign or Tel: 01252 542029
Emerade® Manufacturer or Tel: 020 8781 2900
Useful Contacts
NHS24 – Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland
You can contact NHS24 for out of hours advice when your GP surgery or Health Centre is closed.
Tel: 111
Textphone users – 18001 111
NHS inform – National Health information service
Providing a co-ordinated approach and a single source of quality assured health information for the public in Scotland.
www.nhsinform.co.uk
Review date: January 2024
Issue No: 06
Reference: PIL.PIREPI.87942.P
22_00521
If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:
