How to Use an EpiPen®
Treat an Allergic Reaction With an Injection of Epinephrine
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may involve multiple body systems such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and skin. It can be fatal if left untreated. Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for anaphylaxis. This naturally occurring hormone is also known as adrenaline. Auto -injectors, such as the brand EpiPen®, contain epinephrine and are designed to treat life threatening allergic reactions.
What You Need to Know About EpiPens®
The EpiPen® is available by prescription only. There are two strengths available, the EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr. Both auto-injectors contain 20 mg of epinephrine, but they deliver a different amount of the medication. The regular strength EpiPen® is designed for people over 50 pounds and delivers 0.3 ml of epinephrine. The EpiPen ® Jr. is a pediatric dose for children weighing less than 50 pounds. It releases 0.15 ml of epinephrine. By design, the majority of the product remains in the unit after use. A red flag will appear in the clear window to show that the correct dosage has been released.
How does Epinephrine Stop an Allergic Reaction?
Epinephrine works by rapidly relaxing bronchial muscles, which alleviates wheezing and labored breathing. It also helps other allergic symptoms such as hives, itching and swelling. It may even be effective in relieving the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with a severe reaction which include vomiting, diarrhea and cramping.
How to Take Care of Life Saving Allergy Medications
Epinephrine is sensitive to light and should be stored in the provided tube. It is also is sensitive to temperature extremes and should be kept at a temperature between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit or 15-30 degrees Celsius. Avoid storing the unit in the car or in refrigerators or coolers.
Observe the fluid through the clear window on the side of the auto-injector. If the liquid is discolored (solution should be clear like water), or if the window appears foggy or contains solid particles, it needs to be replaced. Check for a red flag in the window indicating that the injector has already been used. The auto-injectors are only good for one use. Be sure to note the expiration date and dispose of the EpiPen® after the date.
Proper Disposal of a Used or Damaged EpiPen®
If the injector has expired or shows that the medicine has been compromised, the EpiPen® can be used as practice in an orange or other soft fruit. This experience allows users to feel how an EpiPen® is designed to work. After discharging the unit, a long needle will stick out of the tip. Insert the injector, needle first, into the storage tube which contains a steel cap at the end so the needle does not poke through. Then take the tube to a pharmacy, hospital or doctor's office for proper disposal. If the EpiPen® has been used to treat an allergic reaction, take the injector to the hospital so medical personnel can see how much medicine was received.
Where and How to Inject Epinephrine
The unit should be injected in the fleshy part of the outer thigh.
- Remove the injector from the plastic storage case. On one end of the injector is a black tip. That end has the needle. On the other end is a gray cap.
- Form a fist around the injector making sure the black tip is pointing down.
- With the other hand, remove the gray cap. This is a safety cap. If the gray piece is not removed, the EpiPen® will not work.
- Hold the injector with the black tip to the outer thigh. The unit is designed to work through clothing.
- Firmly swing and jab the unit into the outer thigh.
- Hold firmly against the thigh for 10 seconds so that epinephrine can be dispensed.
- Remove the injector from the thigh and massage the site for 10 seconds.
- Call emergency services or go to a hospital immediately. The epinephrine only lasts approximately 20 minutes and additional treatment and observation is needed.
Only epinephrine, used in a timely manner, can stop the potentially deadly effects of an anaphylactic reaction. Knowing how to care for and use an auto-injector can save a life.
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