When do you use an EpiPen?

If you have been prescribed EpiPen®, you should carry it with you at all times… and use it immediately at the first signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. In a severe allergic emergency, quick symptom recognition and immediate treatment are vital.

Where is an EpiPen used?

EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet. Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries.

What is an EpiPen and how do we use it?

An EpiPen is an auto-injector device carried by someone at risk of having a severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis, to various allergens like food, insects, medication, latex and other causes. Once administered, it automatically injects epinephrine to decrease the body’s allergic reaction.

How do you use EpiPen?

Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it “clicks.” The click signals that the injection has started. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3).

What if I use an EpiPen and don’t need it?

An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling.

What are the signs and symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction?

SIGNS OF MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION

Swelling of face, lips and eyes.
Hives or welts.
Tingling mouth.
Abdominal pain, vomiting – these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy.

What allergies do you need an EpiPen for?

What allergies require an EpiPen? Any severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, can be treated with an EpiPen. This can include food allergies like a peanut allergy, allergic reactions to insect stings and bites, and allergies to medications.

Why does an EpiPen have to be injected in the thigh?

As opposed to the upper arm, the thigh muscle is one of the body’s largest muscles with more blood supply, so it allows much faster absorption of the medication. The outer thigh, versus the front of the thigh, is recommended because it provides a skin area with thinner tissue and less fat. Dr.

What happens when you use an EpiPen?

EpiPen is an injection containing epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe skin itching, hives, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What if I accidentally use an EpiPen?

Accidentally injecting EpiPen into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness. Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it).

What to do after using an EpiPen?

After using EpiPen ®, seek medical attention. The used EpiPen ® should be taken to the nearest Emergency Room for proper disposal and to show the medical personnel what medication has already been administered.

What is EpiPen and what does it do?

EpiPen is an injection that contains epinephrine , a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. EpiPens have become a necessity for families with children suffering from severe allergies to counter effects like wheezing, uneven breathing, increased or decreased heart rate, swelling and other potentially fatal reactions.

When to give EpiPen shot?

An Epipen should be administered right away to an individual that is allergic to bee stings. The person should also be seen in an Emergency Room right away as they will need other medications and a period of observation.

Who can administer an EpiPen?

Depending on laws in your state and the level of training a first aid provider has, it may be permissible for a first aid provider to administer an EpiPen to a victim of anaphylaxis. The EpiPen must already be prescribed to the patient in order for it to be used. A fairly new automatic injector of epinephrine is on the market by Auvi‑Q.