Cold Weather Care: Protecting Your Adrenaline Auto-Injectors This Winter

Winter brings beautiful landscapes, festive cheer, and crisp air—but it also brings freezing temperatures that can pose a risk to your adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Whether you’re hitting the slopes, taking winter walks, or simply dealing with cold weather in the UK, it’s essential to protect your medication from freezing temperatures.

Why AAIs Need Special Care in Cold Weather

AAIs, like EpiPen® and Jext®, are prescribed for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). These devices must be accessible at all times, and proper storage is vital to ensure their effectiveness.

Manufacturers recommend keeping AAIs:

• In their original containers to protect from light.
• At room temperature (15–25°C).
• Away from freezing or refrigeration.

Additionally, the adrenaline solution inside should always be clear and colourless. If it appears cloudy or contains particles, the device must be replaced.

Can Freezing Damage Your AAI?

It was once thought that freezing temperatures could damage adrenaline in AAIs, reducing its effectiveness during an emergency. While recent studies suggest that brief accidental freezing may not significantly impair their function, it’s still important to avoid freezing whenever possible.

Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause the adrenaline to solidify, making the device unusable when you may need it, and may even crack the glass syringe, increasing the risk of failure.

Top Tips to Keep Your AAIs Safe in Cold Weather

1. Carry Them Close to Your Body
   Store AAIs in an inner coat or jacket pocket to benefit from body heat. Avoid outer pockets or bags where they’re exposed to freezing air. If you’re active and get hot, move the AAIs to a slightly cooler layer to avoid overheating. Need to head outdoors at school in freezing temperatures? A PE teacher can carry AAIs in their jacket to keep them warm.
2. Use Insulated Pouches
   Thermal pouches designed for medication can help maintain a stable temperature and protect your injectors from the cold.
3. Avoid Extreme Cold and Overheating
   Never leave AAIs in cars, where temperatures fluctuate. Similarly, avoid direct contact with hand warmers or heating pads, which could overheat the adrenaline. If using hand warmers, separate them from your AAIs with a pouch or fabric layer.
4. Rotate Your Injectors
   If carrying multiple injectors, periodically swap them during the day to ensure all remain warm.
5. Store Indoors Overnight
   Keep your AAIs at room temperature overnight, away from windows, cold surfaces, or cars.
6. Inspect Regularly
   In very cold conditions, check your AAIs periodically to ensure they remain clear and undamaged. Replace them if they appear cloudy, frozen, or cracked.
7. Replace Expired AAIs
   Keep track of expiry dates and request replacements a month before they expire. Sign up for reminders at EpiPen.co.uk or Jext.co.uk.
8. Educate Your Support Network
   Make friends and family aware of how to protect AAIs in freezing temperatures so they can assist you when needed.

What to Do If Your AAI Freezes

If you suspect your AAI has frozen, contact your pharmacist or GP to arrange a replacement. Avoid using a device that shows signs of freezing damage, such as cloudy or solidified adrenaline.

Winter adventures should be enjoyed without unnecessary worry. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure your adrenaline auto-injectors stay safe and effective no matter how chilly it gets.

If you have any concerns or questions about your AAIs, please get in touch with our helpline. We’re here to support you in managing your allergies year-round.

Stay safe and warm this winter!