What is EpiPen Auto-Injector?
EpiPen are injections that contain epinephrine, which is a chemical that narrows the blood vessels as well as opens up airways within the lung. The effects of this can reverse poor blood circulation, wheezing, severe itching of the skin, hives, and other signs of an allergic reaction.EpiPen Auto Injectors are used to treat extreme allergies (anaphylaxis) to insect bites or stings, medications, foods, and other allergens.EpiPen can also be used to treat anaphylactic reactions triggered by exercise.EpiPen auto-injectors can be stored in a bag to be injected by a person who has a history of severe allergic reactions.An auto-injector can be described as a hand-held device that can automatically inject the dose of medicine that is measured.
Side effects of EpiPen Auto-Injector
Before you use EpiPen, inform your physician whether any previous use caused an allergic reaction that has now become more severe.Consult your physician immediately. If you experience discomfort, swelling, redness, or indications of infection around the site where you received an injection,The risk of side effects is more prevalent in older adults.
Common EpiPen side effects can include:
- Breathing issues;
- Quick or irregular heartbeats;
- Pale skin, sweating;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Dizziness;
- The tremors or weakness;
- Headaches
- Feeling anxious, fearful, or anxious. Or even excited.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Cautions
EpiPen auto-injectors help combat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).Get medical attention immediately after you have used EpiPen to treat an allergic reaction. The effects could fade within 10 or 20 minutes. You'll need additional treatment and follow-up.Before you use EpiPen for the second time, inform your doctor whether your first dose caused severe side effects like breathing difficulties that are more frequent or a riskily elevated blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, a buzzing in the eardrums, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or seizures).The EpiPen Auto-Injector (0.3 mg) is intended for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more (30 kg or greater).
The EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injector (0.15 mg) is designed for patients who weigh between 33 and 66 lbs (15 and 30 kg).It isn't known whether EpiPen is secure and effective for children weighing less than 33 lbs (15 kg).
Prior to using this drug
Before you use EpiPen, inform your physician whether any previous use has resulted in an allergic reaction that has begun to become more severe.
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, tell your physician if you've previously had:
- Heart disease, as well as hypertension;
- Asthma;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Depression (or mental illness)
- A thyroid disorder
An allergic reaction during breastfeeding or pregnancy could be harmful to both the baby and the mother. You might need to take an EpiPen while pregnant or nursing. You should seek medical attention as soon as you've finished taking this injection.If you are able to do so during an emergency situation, tell your medical professionals if you are nursing or pregnant.
Similar or related drugs
prednisone, loratadine, benadryl, triamcinolone, diphenhydramine, promethazine, and epinephrine
How do I take EpiPen Auto-Injector?
The EpiPen Auto-Injector is a recyclable, single-use device. You can only use an auto-injector once.Follow carefully any instructions for use that are provided in your medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is difficult to know the details of these instructions.Do not take off the cap for your safety until you are at the point of using the auto-injector. Don't touch the injector's tip once the safety cap is removed.Don't give the medication to an infant without consulting a doctor.EpiPen is administered to the muscle or skin of your thigh's outer In the event of an emergency, this injection can be administered via your clothes.
To use an EpiPen auto-injector:
- Create a fist around the auto-injector with the black tip pointed down. Take off the safety cap.
- The black tip should be placed against the fleshy area of the thigh's outer part. You can inject the needle directly through your clothes. Don't place your thumb on the top of the device. Make sure to hold the leg with firmness while administering this injection to children or infants.
- By using a quick movement, push the auto-injector on the back of your thigh. This releases the spring-loaded needle, which injects an amount of epinephrine. Keep the auto-injector firmly in place for a few seconds following activation.
- Remove the auto-injector from your thigh. Re-insert the needle first into the tube carrying it. Close the tube and carry it to the emergency department so that any doctor who sees you will know the amount of epinephrine that you've received.
Get medical attention immediately in the event that you inject yourself when giving EpiPen to someone else.Inadvertently injecting EpiPen in your feet or hands could result in a loss in blood circulation to these areas, which can cause a feeling of numbness.
Only use an auto-injector once and dispose of it in a container that is puncture-proof (ask your pharmacist for one and how you can eliminate it). Keep the container away from pets and children.Don't try to use the same auto-injector a second time. If the needle is bent after the first time you use it, it could cause severe skin injuries.Don't make use of the EpiPen when it has changed color, contains any particles inside, or when the expiration date printed on the label has expired. Contact your physician for a new prescription.The medicine could also include a "trainer pen." The trainer pen has neither medicine nor needle. It is only intended for non-urgent use to help you test injecting yourself.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, and light. Don't refrigerate this medicine, and don't keep it in your car.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Because EpiPen is only used as necessary, it does not need a regular dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Some symptoms of an overdose may include weakness or numbness, an extreme headache, blurred vision, the pounding of your neck or ear, sweating, chills, chest pain, and rapid or slow heartbeats. You may also experience severe difficulty breathing and a cough with foamy mucus.
Avoid this
Avoid injecting EpiPen into the veins or muscles that line your buttocks, or it may not function equally. Inject it only into the fleshy part of your thigh.
Interaction with other drug
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, particularly:
- Asthma medicine;
- An antidepressant
- Cold or allergy medications (benadryl and others);
- Medicine for blood pressure or the heart;
- Thyroid medication;
- Ergot medicine: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine.
This list isn't comprehensive. Other drugs can interfere with epinephrine. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are included here.
