Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Pharmacists need to be able to act promptly and effectively if presented with a patient suffering an anaphylactic episode. This would require prompt recognition of symptoms and confident administration of adrenaline.

Increased provision of services such as influenza or travel vaccination will also increase the possibility of pharmacists being required to treat patients suffering anaphylaxis following vaccination.

The selection of an appropriate device should be based on individual patient factors and the specific features of an AAI product.

Pharmacists and technicians are ideally placed to counsel patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis and prescribed an AAI. These patients will benefit from advice on avoidance of triggers, recognition of the early signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and training on how to self-administer adrenaline.