Delayed administration of epinephrine (adrenaline), the first-line and only effective treatment of a systemic allergic reaction (SAR) and anaphylaxis, is associated with increased mortality. However, epinephrine is underused because of a lack of consensus as to when it should be administered and an inappropriate fear of using epinephrine and potential adverse effects from the medication. The authors emphasize that SARs and anaphylaxis should be considered as a spectrum, and that affected individuals be educated on its safety and repeatedly given instructions as to when and how epinephrine should be used at the first symptoms or signs of SAR and anaphylaxis.