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Disclaimer:
The Region of Peel School Health Reference Guide is a supplementary resource to relevant Peel and Dufferin-Peel school board policies. Always refer to school board policy first if you have questions or concerns.

Safe Storage and Handling of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

Storing UNUSED auto-injectors

Epinephrine auto-injectors :

1. Must be protected from light and stored at room temperature.
2. Should be assessed regularly for any discolouration: the liquid should be clear without any cloudy formation. If any changes are present, the epinephrine auto-injector needs to be replaced.

Students should keep at least one epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times (i.e., in a fanny pack, knapsack or inside pocket of a jacket) and/or in a designated storage area within the school office or classroom (i.e., unlocked cupboard or drawer).

Parents should provide the school with at least one extra epinephrine auto-injector. Extra auto-injector(s) should be stored in an area accessible to all staff (i.e., unlocked cupboard, school office, gym, cafeteria, etc). All staff should be aware of the storage location(s).

Disposal of USED auto-injectors

Used epinephrine auto-injectors must be safely and properly disposed of in order to prevent needle stick injuries.

• For Twinject®, place the used auto-injector and/or syringe (if second dose has been given) needle-end first into the carrier and put on the lid. Give this to Emergency Medical Services or emergency room staff for proper disposal.
  
  
• For the EpiPen® give the used auto-injector to Emergency Medical Services or emergency room staff for proper disposal.

Never throw a used or unused auto-injector in the garbage.  Contact pharmacy or physician for disposal of expired auto-injectors.

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Handling auto-injectors

• All students will require assistance, as their allergic reaction may interfere with their attempt to self-inject.
• An epinephrine auto-injector must be given to only the person whose name is on the label.
• The only recommended site for an epinephrine injection is the mid-outer thigh. Accidental injection into areas other than the thigh could be very dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
• An accidental epinephrine auto-injection into the wrong individual requires immediate medical attention.