What is an epinephrine autoinjector?

An epinephrine autoinjector is a portable medical device that delivers a measured dose of epinephrine during an emergency.

Epinephrine is a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can develop rapidly. Autoinjectors allow medication to be administered quickly without manually preparing a syringe.

How does an epinephrine autoinjector work?

While designs vary, an autoinjector generally contains a dose of epinephrine and a mechanism that delivers the medication through a needle when activated.

Epinephrine acts quickly to counter the effects of a severe allergic reaction, including helping support blood pressure, reduce airway swelling, and improve breathing.

Because anaphylaxis can progress rapidly, people should follow the instructions for their prescribed device and their healthcare provider's guidance.

Why quick access matters

Anaphylaxis can happen unexpectedly. For people who have been prescribed epinephrine, keeping it readily accessible is an important part of being prepared.

That makes portability and accessibility important considerations when designing rescue medication devices. A rescue medication can only help when it's available when needed.

Rethinking rescue medication

Sempresto is developing a smartphone-integrated approach to rescue medication delivery, with the goal of integrating essential rescue medication with something many people already carry every day: their phone.

By rethinking how rescue medication fits into everyday life, new approaches to autoinjector design may help make emergency treatments more accessible when they're needed.