We know from our recent survey that thousands of people with Adrenal Insufficiency been refused an emergency kit or simply didn't know how important it was to have one. Find out why there kits are so important.

Why do people with Adrenal Insufficiency need an emergency injection kit?

Each year, typically 8% of people with Addison's Disease experience adrenal crisis.  This means they need extra steroid medication immediately, in the form of an emergency injection of intra-muscular hydrocortisone. This is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.

If my patients live near a hospital surely they can get an injection their via A&E or at an emergency doctor's surgery?

An adrenal crisis can happen anywhere. At work. Out shopping. On holiday. If an ambulance crew is delayed in arriving to help a patient, or the patient is unable to get to a medical facility for any other reason, an injection kit could save their life.

How can we be sure the patient will know how to administer the injection safely?

"Patients with established AI and their carers/family members should be educated about the risks of intercurrent illness, trained in (self) administration of 100 mg im hydrocortisone (efcortisol or solucortef) and told that if the vomiting and diarrhoeal illness persists they should attend their local hospital, as they will need parenteral hydrocortisone and intravenous fluids without delay. Patients and their relatives or carers can be taught how to self-inject by their endocrine clinical nurse specialist." Source: Guidance for the prevention and emergency management of adult patients with adrenal insufficiency

Share the ADSHG Emergency Injection Guide with your patients or consider providing training at your clinic, perhaps in the form of a hospital meeting where a group of people with Adrenal Insufficiency can learn and practise injection technique.

Where should patients obtain their kits from?

GP's or endocrinology teams can prescribe the items required for the kit. Inform pharmacies dispensing the items that patients have been trained in the use of needles and syringes so that they aren't unnecessarily withheld.

The ADSHG sells kit boxes, conveniently sized leaflets, amp snaps and vanishpoint syringes if patients prefer.

View our range of emergency kit accessories and other items to support patients in emergencies.

Share the ADSHG's advice on preparing their own emergency kit with your patients.