Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a severe allergic response that can be caused by insect stings, foods such as nuts, or medication. If a person is allergic, symptoms of anaphylaxis may appear within a few minutes or a few hours after contact with the allergen. This may include wheezing, throat tightness, hives, itching, or a rash. Immediate medical treatment may be needed, including an injection of epinephrine. People who experience a severe allergic reaction should also go to the emergency room. Anaphylaxis may be a life-threatening condition if aid is not given promptly.

Epinephrine auto-injectors are a convenient way for this medication to be administered to someone experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. The Alabama Department of Public Health is providing training for anyone who would like to be prepared to administer epinephrine.

Act #2016-193 - Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors by the General Public

The Alabama State Legislature recently passed a law Act #2016-193 that makes it possible for members of the general public to have access to epinephrine auto-injectors to intervene should another person have severe allergic reaction. This law makes it possible for camps, colleges and universities, day cares, youth sports leagues, amusement parks, restaurants, places of employment, and sports arenas to keep and use an auto-injector with limited or no liability. A prescription from a physician will be required for purchase.

Those who wish to keep an epinephrine auto-injector should watch the video linked below then print and complete the certificate. Should you have to use an auto-injector, please come back to this web page and complete the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Report also linked below.

• Anaphylaxis Training Video
  Videos: Windows Media Player | Real Player | YouTube
• Anaphylaxis Training Certificate of Completion
• Epinephrine Auto-Injector Report

Contact your physician if you need assistance with purchasing an epinephrine auto-injector at a more affordable price.

Anaphylaxis Report Summaries

The following anaphylaxis reports provide statewide summaries from members of the general public who have access to epinephrine auto-injectors and intervene should another person have a severe allergic reaction. 

• 2023 - No Reports Submitted
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020 - No Reports Submitted
• 2019 - No Reports Submitted
• 2018 - No Reports Submitted
• 2017 - No Reports Submitted
• 2016

Additional Resources

• Patient Information: Use of an Epinephrine Autoinjector (Beyond the Basics)
• Adrenaclick
• EpiPen and EpiPen Jr
• Generic Epinephrine Auto-Injector