The descriptions provide practical guidance for the various drug preparations and syringe types which are available within the UK, along with links to the ADSHG emergency injection kits available in our online shop.
Liquid hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (1ml ampoule) emergency injection instructions
This page provides practical instructions for the liquid hydrocortisone sodium phosphate drug preparation along with links to the ADSHG emergency injection kits available in the online shop.
Read this emergency injection page here ...
Powder and water (Solu-Cortef) emergency injection instructions
This page provides practical instructions for the Solu-Cortef drug preparation along with links to the ADSHG emergency injection kits available in the online shop.
Read this emergency injection page here ...
Act-o-Vial (integrated vial Solu-Cortef powder and water) injection instructions
This page provides practical instructions for the Act-o-Vial Solu-Cortef drug preparation along with links to the ADSHG emergency injection kits available in the online shop.
Read this emergency injection page here ...
Additional foreign language resources:
A Dutch language video demonstrating self-injection with the Act-o-Vial form of Solu-Cortef can be viewed here... It follows a slightly different technique to that taught in the UK and uses the longer, green IM needles that would usually only be recommended for people with a larger BMI, >30, in the UK. This video was produced by the Radboud University Hospital endocrine department, Nijmegen, Netherlands. The Dutch support group, NVACP, has also produced a cartoon video explaining how to use the Act-o-Vial form of injectable hydrocortisone.
The Act-o-Vial drug preparation is not available in the UK, but can be obtained on prescription in a number of EU states (Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark) as well as in North America. It is not available in Spain or Portugal.
Foreign language translations of the ADSHG emergency guidelines are available here.
Liquid hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (1ml ampoule) emergency inject instructions
3.1 How to give an emergency injection: liquid hydrocortisone using a safety syringe
This video explains how to give an emergency injection of liquid hydrocortisone using a retractable safety syringe in the event of an adrenal crisis. It is narrated by Prof John Wass, Chair of our Clinical Advisory Panel, with injection demonstration performed by consultant endocrine nurse, Phillip Yeoh.
3.2 How to give an emergency injection: liquid hydrocortisone using a standard syringe
This video explains how to give an emergency injection of liquid hydrocortisone using a standard syringe in the event of an adrenal crisis. It is narrated by Prof John Wass, Chair of our Clinical Advisory Panel, with injection demonstration performed by consultant endocrine nurse, Phillip Yeoh
Emergency injections: tips and reminders
Hydrocortisone emergency injection: illustrated instructions
This leaflet details how to give an emergency injection of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (liquid hydrocortisone) is available for free download here...
The ADSHG emergency injection instructions are supplied as part of the emergency injection kits and refill packs in our shop (see below).
ADSHG emergency injection kits
A range of emergency injection kits for both adults and children is available from our online shop. Each kit contains retracting safety syringes, Amp snaps and concertina photo instructions in a sturdy, handle-lidded box. You can purchase emergency injection kits (minus the drug preparations) from our online shop.
ADSHG adult emergency injection kit - large case
Further reading
Page 3 - Powder and water (Solu-Cortef) emergency inject instructions
Page 4 - Act-o-Vial (integrated vial Solu-Cortef powder and water) injection instructions
Video hub - Full set of Emergency injection videos
Powder and water (Solu-Cortef) emergency inject instructions
3.3 How to give an emergency injection of Solu-Cortef with a retracting safety syringe
3.4. How to give an emergency injection of Solu-Cortef with a standard syringe
Solu-Cortef© emergency injection: illustrated instructions
This leaflet details how to give an emergency injection of Solu-Cortef© is available for free download here...
The ADSHG emergency injection instructions are supplied as part of the emergency injection kits and refill packs in our shop (see below).
ADSHG emergency injection kits
A range of emergency injection kits for both adults and children is available from our online shop. Each kit contains retracting safety syringes, Amp snaps and concertina photo instructions in a sturdy, handle-lidded box. You can purchase emergency injection kits (minus the drug preparations) from our online shop.
ADSHG adult emergency injection kit - large case
Further reading
Page 2 - Liquid hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (1ml ampoule) emergency inject instructions
Page 4 - Act-o-Vial (integrated vial Solu-Cortef powder and water) injection instructions
Video hub - Full set of Emergency injection videos
Act-o-Vial (integrated vial Solu-Cortef powder and water) injection instructions
The Act-o-Vial is not available in the UK as the product distributed in Europe contains a banned additive, benzyl alcohol. However, it is now the standard form of injectable hydrocortisone sodium succinate distributed by Pfizer, the licence holder, in North America, Australasia and mainland Europe. The product distributed in North America does not contain benzyl alcohol and some private clinics are importing this formulation to the UK. We publish these photo instructions on our website, for the benefit of our overseas members or anyone who has obtained a private prescription for an Act-o-Vial within the UK.
3.5 How to give an emergency injection of Solu-Cortef, Act-o-Vial with a retracting safety syringe
Solu-Cortef© the Act-o-Vial© emergency injection: illustrated instructions
We publish the following photo instructions on our website, for the benefit of our overseas members or anyone who has obtained a private prescription for an Act-o-Vial within the UK.
Please note that the ADSHG does not issue paper copies of the Act-o-Vial instructions with the injection kits on sale in the ADSHG online shop (see below).
ADSHG emergency injection kits
A range of emergency injection kits for both adults and children is available from our online shop. Each kit contains retracting safety syringes, Amp snaps and concertina photo instructions in a sturdy, handle-lidded box. You can purchase emergency injection kits (minus the drug preparations) from our online shop.
ADSHG adult emergency injection kit - large case
Further reading
Page 2 - Liquid hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (1ml ampoule) emergency inject instructions
Page 3 - Powder and water (Solu-Cortef) emergency inject instructions
Video hub - Full set of Emergency injection videos
