How Do Epinephrine Autoinjectors Hold Up in Real-World Conditions?

Patients at risk for anaphylaxis are taught to carry epinephrine autoinjectors at all times. However, the package insert states “Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F).” Researchers performed a real-world study at a Polish allergy clinic to determine the breakdown of epinephrine under everyday conditions.

Ninety epinephrine autoinjectors with 15-month expiration dates were distributed to patients, who were told to avoid leaving autoinjectors in closed cars or other outdoor containers and not to refrigerate them. Patients were instructed to carry the autoinjectors on their person for 12 months and then to return them for epinephrine measurements. Despite minimum and maximum recorded temperatures of −…