What is Symjepi?
Symjepi treats severe allergy reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect bites or stings, food, drugs, and other allergens. Epinephrine auto-injectors can be kept in the home for those with severe allergies.
Epinephrine can also be used to treat anaphylaxis caused by exercise or low pressure due to septic shock. Symjepi can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Symjepi
Tell your doctor before using epinephrine if you have ever used Symjepi and had an allergic reaction that got worse.
If you notice any of the following: pain, swelling or redness around the injection site, warmth, or any other sign of infection, call your doctor immediately.
Older adults may experience more side effects.
Side effects of Symjepi include:
- Breathing problems
- Fast, irregular, or pounding pulses;
- Pale skin, sweating;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Dizziness;
- Weakness or tremors
- Headache
- Feeling restless, afraid, nervous, anxious, or excited.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Loratadine, Triamcinolone, Benadryl, Diphenhydramine, Promethazine, and Epinephrine
Warnings
You will need further treatment after the injection.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor before using epinephrine if you have ever used Symjepi and had an allergic reaction that got worse.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart disease, or high blood pressure.
- Asthma;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Mental illness or depression
- A thyroid disorder,
A severe allergic reaction during pregnancy or while nursing can be harmful to both mother and child. You may have to use epinephrine while pregnant or breastfeeding. Get immediate medical attention after injecting the epinephrine. Tell your caregivers, if possible, if you're pregnant or nursing during an emergency.
How to take Symjepi?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Inject epinephrine into the outer thigh muscle or skin. This injection can be administered through clothing in an emergency. The medicine may be packaged with a "trainer pencil." The trainer pen does not contain any medicine or needles. The trainer pen is intended for non-emergency practice only.
Read all instructions for use and follow them. If you need assistance, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not administer this medicine to an infant without first consulting with their physician. The auto-injector is a single-use disposable device. You should only use an auto-injector once. Never try to re-insert the auto-injector after the first time. The needle may be bent and cause severe injury to the skin. If you use epinephrine, seek immediate medical attention. Epinephrine's effects may last 10 to 20 minutes. You will require further treatment and observation.
You should also seek immediate medical attention if, while administering epinephrine for another person, you accidentally inject yourself. Store away from moisture and heat. This medicine should not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, nor in your car. Do not use Symjepi when it is discolored or contains particles. Use only if the date of expiration is still valid. For a new prescription, call your pharmacist. Never reuse a syringe or needle.Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps container", and dispose of them according to local or state law. Keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Because epinephrine can be used as needed, there is no daily schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include numbness, weakness, headaches, blurred or fast vision, sweating or chills, chest discomfort, rapid or slow heartbeats, and severe shortness of breath.
What should be avoided?
Avoid injecting epinephrine in a vein or into your buttocks muscles. Only inject it into the outer fleshy portion of your thigh. If you accidentally inject epinephrine into your hands or feet, it can cause numbness and blood flow loss.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Asthma medicine;
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Cold or allergy medicines ( Benadryl and others);
- Heart or blood pressure medication;
- Thyroid medication;
- Ergot medicine: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect epinephrine. This list does not include all drug interactions.
