The autoinjector has a product container (13) that is arranged in a housing (2). A cap (4) is placed at the distal end of housing and removable from the housing. A sleeve-shaped release element (3) is projected in its starting position over the distal end of housing for releasing the distribution relative to housing from the starting position in a proximate direction into a release position and is moveable to a release position where the cap is removed. The release element is locked against movement into the release position where cap is arranged in housing.