EpiPen & Jext Auto-Injectors for Schools | Adrenaline Emergency Pens for Anaphylaxis & Severe Allergic Reactions

What Are EpiPen and Jext?

EpiPen and Jext are both adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) - disposable, prefilled automatic injection devices that deliver a measured dose of adrenaline intramuscularly when activated against the outer thigh. EpiPen is manufactured by Viatris UK Healthcare. Jext is manufactured by ALK-Abello. Both products are licensed in the UK for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

An adrenaline auto-injector is designed so that it can be administered quickly by the person having the reaction or by a carer without medical training. The device delivers adrenaline into the muscle of the outer thigh through clothing if necessary. Training in how to use the device is recommended for anyone who may be required to administer it.

Adrenaline is a hormone naturally produced by the body in response to stress. In anaphylaxis, the body's immune system triggers a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergen. Adrenaline acts on adrenoceptors throughout the body to counteract the cardiovascular collapse, airway swelling, and other systemic effects of anaphylaxis. It improves blood pressure, reduces swelling in the throat and airways, and supports heart function.

A single dose of adrenaline may not be sufficient to completely reverse the effects of a severe allergic reaction. If symptoms have not improved or have worsened within five to fifteen minutes of the first injection, a second injection should be given. This is why it is recommended that two AAIs are available whenever possible — schools should consider this when deciding how many devices to hold.

EpiPen and Jext are for emergency use in anaphylaxis. After using an adrenaline auto-injector, call 999 immediately and attend hospital for assessment, even if symptoms appear to have improved. Adrenaline is a temporary measure. Medical assessment is essential after every use. Do not use these devices for any purpose other than the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

How Do EpiPen and Jext Work?

Adrenaline and the Adrenoceptor Response

Adrenaline acts on alpha and beta adrenoceptors throughout the body. In anaphylaxis, its effects are clinically essential. Acting on alpha adrenoceptors, adrenaline causes vasoconstriction, narrowing of the blood vessels, which helps to raise blood pressure that has fallen dangerously low during anaphylaxis. Acting on beta adrenoceptors in the heart and airways, adrenaline increases heart rate and cardiac output, and causes bronchodilation, widening of the airways, which relieves the bronchospasm and breathlessness that occur in anaphylaxis.

Reduction of Allergic Swelling

Adrenaline reduces the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators that cause the swelling of the throat, tongue, and airways in anaphylaxis. It also reduces swelling in the mucous membranes of the airways, improving breathing. This action is critical because airway swelling can be life threatening if not treated promptly.

Onset of Action

When injected intramuscularly into the outer thigh, adrenaline is absorbed rapidly into the circulation. The onset of action is typically within minutes. Speed of administration is important in anaphylaxis, the sooner adrenaline is given, the better the prospect of stabilising the reaction before emergency services arrive.

EpiPen vs Jext

EpiPen and Jext are equivalent in their active ingredient (adrenaline), strengths, and indication. Both are available in 150mcg (junior) and 300mcg (adult) strengths. The differences are in the device design, needle length, and activation mechanism. Both are approved for school spare AAI supply under the Department of Health guidance. Schools must specify which brand and strength they are ordering in their Signed Order.

How to Use an Adrenaline Auto-Injector

General Technique

• Remove the device from its carrier tube and take off the safety cap (yellow cap on both devices).
• Hold the device in your dominant hand with your thumb closest to the safety cap end.
• Place the tip (orange end) firmly against the outer thigh, mid-thigh area. It can be administered through clothing.
• Push down hard and hold firmly in place. The needle will deploy automatically and inject the adrenaline.
• Hold in place for approximately three seconds (EpiPen) or ten seconds (Jext), follow the device-specific instructions.
• Remove the device and carefully massage the injection site for ten seconds.
• Call 999 immediately after administering the injection.
• If symptoms do not improve or worsen within five to fifteen minutes, administer a second autoinjector if available.

Device-specific instructions differ between EpiPen and Jext. All school staff who may be required to use an AAI should receive training specifically for the device held by the school. Do not rely on the instructions in this document alone - always follow the instructions provided with the specific device.

After Use

• Call 999 immediately. Do not leave the pupil alone.
• Lay the pupil flat with their legs raised unless they are having difficulty breathing, in which case allow them to sit up.
• Keep the used device to hand it to emergency services on arrival so they can see the dose given.
• The pupil must attend hospital for assessment even if they appear to have recovered. Anaphylaxis can have a biphasic response, symptoms can return hours after the initial reaction.

Strengths Available

150mcg Junior — EpiPen Jr / Jext 150mcg

The 150mcg strength is indicated for children weighing 15 to 30kg. EpiPen Jr delivers 150mcg of adrenaline per injection. Jext 150mcg delivers 150mcg of adrenaline per injection. Both are prefilled disposable devices for single use. When ordering for a school, the Signed Order must specify the brand (EpiPen or Jext), the strength (150mcg), and the quantity required.

300mcg Adult — EpiPen / Jext 300mcg

The 300mcg strength is indicated for adults and children weighing 30kg or more. EpiPen delivers 300mcg of adrenaline per injection. Jext 300mcg delivers 300mcg of adrenaline per injection. Both are prefilled disposable devices for single use. When ordering for a school, the Signed Order must specify the brand, the strength (300mcg), and the quantity required.

Both strengths are available for school supply. Schools with pupils across both weight ranges may need to hold both strengths. The Department of Health guidance on adrenaline auto-injectors in schools provides detailed guidance on stock requirements.

Side Effects and Safety Information

Expected Effects of Adrenaline

Many of the physiological effects of adrenaline may be experienced after injection, particularly if the person is not in full anaphylactic collapse at the time of administration.

• Increased heart rate (palpitations, tachycardia)
• Tremor or shakiness
• Pallor (pale appearance)
• Anxiety or a feeling of agitation
• Headache
• Dizziness

Serious but Rare Adverse Effects

• Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Hypertensive crisis (sudden severe rise in blood pressure) - more likely in patients with pre existing cardiovascular conditions
• Pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) at higher doses

In the context of anaphylaxis, the benefits of adrenaline substantially outweigh the risks. There are no absolute contraindications to the use of adrenaline in anaphylaxis. Emergency services should be called regardless of whether a second dose is given.

After Administration

Seek immediate emergency medical assessment after every use. Anaphylaxis can have a delayed second wave (biphasic reaction) occurring hours after the initial episode. Hospital observation is required after adrenaline administration.

Who Is This Page For?

School Supply

This page is for school administrators, bursars, and head teachers ordering EpiPen or Jext as spare auto-injectors for their school under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (as amended). The supply to schools does not require an individual prescription but does require a Signed Order on school letterhead. See the School Supply section below.

Individual Patients

If you are an individual patient, parent, or carer seeking EpiPen or Jext for personal use, please visit the individual product pages. Individual supply requires a valid prescription from a registered prescriber. This page is for school institutional supply only.

Pupils With Known Severe Allergies

Pupils with known severe allergies should carry their own prescribed AAI at all times. The school spare AAI is a backup for situations where a pupil's own device is not available. It does not remove the responsibility for pupils and their families to ensure the pupil's own prescribed device is carried and in date.

School Supply: Ordering Process and Legal Requirements

The Legal Framework

The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (as amended) permit schools to obtain adrenaline auto-injectors without an individual patient prescription for use as spare emergency devices. This is a specific legal exemption that applies to schools only. The relevant guidance is the UK Department of Health document: Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools.

What Is Required: The Signed Order

To place a school order with Pharmacy Planet, a Signed Order is required. This is a letter on official school letterhead, signed by the Head Teacher or Principal, that specifies:

• The brand of AAI required (EpiPen or Jext — specify one brand per order)
• The strength required (150mcg junior, 300mcg adult, or both)
• The quantity required

The Signed Order is uploaded as part of the online ordering process. The next stage of the purchase process will require you to upload this document.

What Schools Must Have in Place

• A named lead for anaphylaxis management
• A policy on managing anaphylaxis in school
• Written parental consent for relevant pupils
• Staff training on the recognition of anaphylaxis and the use of the specific AAI device held
• A record of pupils with known severe allergies and their individual healthcare plans

How to Order

Please press the ‘Start My Consultation’ button to be put through to a dedicated ordering page for schools where you will be asked to submit any relevant paperwork, like your signed order, and clarify your shipping details. For Purchase Order or BACS payment, contact: headoffice@pharmacyplanet.com or 0800 978 8956.

For detailed guidance on preparing your Signed Order and meeting the school conditions, refer to the Department of Health Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools.

PURCHASES FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS: This page is for school orders only. Individual patients require a valid prescription. Please visit the EpiPen product page or the Jext product page for individual supply.

Storage and Handling

• Store at room temperature, below 25 degrees C.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze. Cold temperatures can damage the device and affect the injection mechanism.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from light.
• Do not store near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• The device is for single use only. Do not reuse.
• Check the expiry date regularly. Replace before the expiry date. Keep a record of expiry dates and planned replacement dates as part of the school's anaphylaxis management policy.
• The solution should be clear and colourless. If it is discoloured or contains particles, do not use it and arrange a replacement.
• Keep out of the reach of children except in designated accessible locations for emergency use.
• Dispose of used or expired devices as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Why Choose Pharmacy Planet?

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy that has supplied schools with adrenaline auto-injectors for many years. Our ordering process is designed for school procurement, with support for Purchase Order and BACS payment options and a dedicated contact for school enquiries.

We stock both EpiPen and Jext in both the 150mcg junior and 300mcg adult strengths. Contact us at headoffice@pharmacyplanet.com or 0800 978 8956 for any query about your school order.

References

1. UK Department of Health. Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools. 2017. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adrenaline-auto-injectors-in-schools. Accessed May 2026.

2. Viatris UK Healthcare. EpiPen 300mcg Solution for Injection — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4693/smpc. Accessed May 2026.

3. ALK-Abello. Jext 300mcg Solution for Injection — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6753/smpc. Accessed May 2026.

4. NHS. Anaphylaxis — Treatment. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/treatment. Accessed May 2026.

5. British National Formulary (BNF). Adrenaline/epinephrine. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/adrenaline-epinephrine. Accessed May 2026.