Preparing your own Emergency Kit for Addison's or Adrenal Insufficiency

Preparing an emergency kit is something every person with Addison's or adrenal insufficiency should do once they have a diagnosis. We explain more about the different kinds of injection, when to use your kit and how to use your injection on our emergency injection page.

Emergency injection page

Kits are sometimes provided ready-made by medics and can also be purchased online. Here we help you create your own emergency kit in seven steps.

1. Request emergency vials of hydrocortisone from your medics

In the UK, our emergency medication must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Ask your endocrinologist or GP for these.

• Hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 100mg (1ml liquid ampoule), or
• Hydrocortisone 100mg Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion 1x2ml - vial with diluent (previously known as Solu-Cortef),

If you experience any difficulties obtaining medication, see our helpful tips below working with medics.

What to do if you are refused an emergency kit:

On our main injection page we list the steps to follow if you find yourself in this situation,

2. Check if you need water vials

If you receive the powder version of hydrocortisone, ensure you also have water for injection to mix with the powder. Request vials of water if you are using a dry form of hydrocortisone. Ask your endocrinologist or GP for these if not supplied with the powder. Again, if you experience any difficulties obtaining medication, see our helpful tips for working with medics.

3. Request syringes from your medics

Ask your endocrinologist or GP for these. There are several types available. Ask your medics about the options and which will be best for you. There are also options available in our online shop.

4. Printed injection instructions

Having the instructions for your injection kit helps you, or anyone coming to your aid, to inject you. We have a selection of guides you can print, fold and add to your kit. Be careful to choose instructions that match the type of medication you have available.

View our range of emergency injection instruction leaflets

It is also advisable to include adrenal crisis guidelines, hospital stickers and NHS steroid emergency card

5. Protection when you are opening glass vials

You'll see from our videos and advice  that snapping the tops off the glass vials can be made easier with 'Amp Snaps' that can be purchased online and are included with the charity injection kits. Some people also use a piece of clean gauze, a clean tissue or place the top of the vial inside the plastic part of the syringe wrapper. 

6. Choose a sturdy, portable box or case for your kit

Everybody's different, as we often say. Some of us carry a handbag and need something small and compact. Others like a larger container so they can add extra items like extra tablets or extra information. The main thing is that it must be portable. When we ask members about their kits, they tell us how they've found just the right container - a small camera case, a pencil box, a nice plastic storage box. The choice is yours. 

Having the expiry date taped to the container is a good way of reminding yourself of the expiry dates of medication.  All items including syringes and needles, will have an expiry date, note the shortest item date.  This allows for items to be checked regularly.

Visit our online charity shop for our kit options

7. Have more than one kit.

You need to have your emergency kit on hand wherever you are. At home. At work. In the car. You might need your carer or family to have one they can access. Emergencies can happen anywhere. Consider having your kit and and medication by your bedside at night within reach. Being prepared can mean that if for any reason you can't get to medical help straight away you can take action to treat an adrenal crisis.  Ensure those who support you know where you keep your kit and know how to use it.

Kits like these save lives every day. Why not get started on your own kit today? 

#ShareYourKit

To help raise awareness around hydrocortisone emergency injection kits, we've been asking you to #ShareYourKit! Please join us and snap a photo and post on your social media using the hashtag #ShareYourKit (making sure to tag the ADSHG charity social media accounts too!) Read more in our #ShareYourKit blog post.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years - please join our community and support our cause! You'll receive the latest expert advice, guidance and ADSHG news, whilst being part of our inspiring and supportive community. Become a member today! 

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