If you are having a severe allergic reaction now, use your auto-injector pen and call 112. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, and emergency anaphylaxis treatment is a medicine given by an auto-injector pen. If a doctor has already diagnosed your risk and prescribed pens before, you can request replacement or spare auto-injector pens online in Portugal. You complete a secure questionnaire, a licensed doctor reviews it, and if clinically suitable the doctor issues an electronic prescription that you receive in your Global Health account and can use at any pharmacy in Portugal. If not, the doctor explains why and suggests next steps.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by a licensed doctor
- A prescription for replacement or spare auto-injector pens, if clinically suitable
- An electronic prescription in your Global Health account, which you can use at any pharmacy in Portugal
- Written advice on carrying, storing and using your pens
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The request fee covers the doctor's review. The pens are paid for separately at the pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
This service is only for people who already have a diagnosed risk of anaphylaxis. Our doctors cannot safely prescribe auto-injector pens online if you:
- have never been prescribed an auto-injector pen by a doctor before
- have a new allergy or a first allergic reaction, which needs a proper allergy assessment
- have had a reaction since your last review that was more severe or needed hospital treatment
- are requesting pens for a child, because the dose depends on body weight and must be set by the child's own doctor
- have asthma that is not well controlled, as this raises the risk of a severe reaction
- have symptoms of an allergic reaction right now (call 112)
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP or see your own family doctor so a doctor can assess you properly.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your allergy diagnosis, previous reactions, your current pens and any medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. A licensed doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Prescription issued. If treatment is suitable, the doctor issues an electronic prescription that you receive in your Global Health account and can take to any pharmacy in Portugal.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis happens when the immune system overreacts to a trigger and releases large amounts of histamine and other chemicals. It usually develops within a few minutes but can take longer. It affects the airway, breathing or circulation, and may come with a rash, hives or swelling, although skin symptoms are not always present.
Signs of anaphylaxis
- swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice
- difficulty breathing, wheeze, a persistent cough or noisy breathing
- feeling faint or dizzy, pale and clammy skin, confusion or collapse
Common triggers
Common triggers include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk and eggs, wasp and bee stings, some medicines and latex. Exercise or alcohol can sometimes make a reaction more likely in people who are already allergic.
Anaphylaxis treatment options
The medicine in the auto-injector works quickly to open the airways, raise blood pressure and reduce swelling. The auto-injector delivers a measured dose into the muscle. Antihistamines and inhalers can ease milder symptoms but do not replace the auto-injector in anaphylaxis.
Carrying and storing your pens. Carry two pens with you at all times, because a second dose may be needed. Check the expiry date regularly and replace pens before they expire. Store them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and never in the fridge or a hot car. If your device has a viewing window, check the liquid is clear.
How to use an auto-injector pen. Devices differ, so read the instructions on your own pen and practise with a trainer device if one is available. In general:
- Remove the safety cap as shown on your device.
- Press the tip firmly into the outer thigh. You can inject through clothing.
- Hold it in place for the time stated on your device, then remove it.
- Call 112 and say “anaphylaxis”, even if you start to feel better.
Lie down with your legs raised, or sit up if breathing is difficult. Do not stand or walk, even if you feel better. If there is no improvement after five minutes, use the second pen. Always go to hospital after using a pen, because symptoms can return hours later.
Side effects and safety
The medicine in the auto-injector can cause a fast or pounding heartbeat, shaking, paleness, anxiety and headache. These effects are short-lived. If you are unsure whether a reaction is anaphylaxis, use the pen: the risk of not using it is far greater than the side effects. If you accidentally inject into a finger, thumb or hand, seek urgent medical help.
When to see a doctor in person
See your family doctor or allergy clinic after any reaction where you needed to use your pen, if your reactions are changing, or if you have not had an allergy review in the last year. Your doctor can update your allergy action plan and refer you to an allergy specialist if needed. For non-urgent advice you can call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24. You can also meet our doctors or see all online prescription services.