Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the
outer-upper portion of the thigh
in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.)
Can you use an EpiPen through pants?
An EpiPen can be used through clothing, even jeans
. Once it is pulled out, the orange cover automatically extends to ensure the needle is not exposed. After using an EpiPen, always call 9-1-1 or go directly to your closest emergency department.
What happens if you inject epinephrine into a vein?
Do not inject epinephrine into a vein or into the muscles of your buttocks, or
it may not work as well
. Inject it only into the fleshy outer portion of the thigh. Accidentally injecting epinephrine into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness.
What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing 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.
Do you have to go to the hospital after using an EpiPen?
You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen
. That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments.
How do you use an EpiPen on yourself?
Do epi pens expire?
EpiPens carry an expiration date of 18 months after their manufacture
, but it may be several months before the devices are actually sold and in the hands of the people who may need them. Along with a team of researchers, Cantrell gathered expired EpiPens from patients and practitioners.
Why do you put EpiPen in thigh?
This fast uptake of epinephrine is
critical in the treatment of anaphylaxis
. 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.
Does EpiPen needle hurt?
Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. B12 injections or vaccinations), there’s a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. Then there’s a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds.
How big is the EpiPen needle?
The most frequently prescribed auto-injector in North America and Canada is the EpiPen
®
, which has a needle length of
15.2 mm
. Currently, it is unknown whether this needle length is adequate for intramuscular delivery of epinephrine in adult patients at risk of anaphylaxis.
Can you take EpiPen and Benadryl together?
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Benadryl and EpiPen
. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What does epinephrine feel like?
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a stress hormone. An adrenaline rush can feel like
anxiousness, nervousness, or pure excitement
as your body and mind are preparing for an event. There are certain activities like skydiving and bungee jumping that give you an adrenaline rush.
How does EpiPen make you feel?
Fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or pale skin
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Will Benadryl stop anaphylaxis?
An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl),
isn’t sufficient to treat anaphylaxis
. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.
Is an EpiPen just adrenaline?
An EpiPen is just adrenaline
(also called epinephrine) – the “fight or flight” hormone – in a patented syringe. Epinephrine can be lifesaving in someone who has trouble breathing from anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Anaphylaxis, however, is rare.
How do you survive anaphylactic shock without an EpiPen?
an oxygen mask may be used to help breathing
. fluids may be given directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure. additional medicines such as antihistamines and steroids may be used to help relieve symptoms. blood tests may be carried out to confirm anaphylaxis.
Does EpiPen work for bee stings?
If you’re allergic to bee stings, your doctor is likely to prescribe an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others)
. You’ll need to have it with you at all times. An autoinjector is a combined syringe and concealed needle that injects a single dose of medication when pressed against your thigh.
When do you use an EpiPen for a wasp sting?
If you have an EpiPen, administer it
as soon as symptoms begin
. If you have a history of wasp allergies, administer the EpiPen as soon as you’re stung and then call 911. Treatment for severe allergic reactions to wasp stings can include: additional epinephrine to calm your immune system.
How many times can one EpiPen be injected?
You may repeat the injection
every 5 to 10 minutes as needed
. However, the dose is usually not more than 0.3 mg per injection.
Do EpiPens need to be refrigerated?
Adrenaline (epinephrine) injectors (e.g. EpiPen
®
or Anapen
®
)should be stored: In a cool dark place at room temperature, between 15-25°C, but
not refrigerated
, as temperatures below 15°C may damage the injector mechanism.
What does rev mean on an EpiPen?
revision” followed by the date revised… whenever a product is updated or modified, you usually see that. It’s not an expiration date. It’s
the date that was revised or updated the product by the manufacturer
. Ivette.
What color should the liquid in an EpiPen be?
The solution should be
clear
. If the solution is discolored (pinkish or brown color) or contains solid particles, replace the unit. Always keep your EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector in the carrier tube to protect it from damage. The carrier tube is not waterproof.
Do signs of anaphylaxis always present within minutes?
Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes
. It mostly occurs within 20 minutes to 2 hours after exposure to the allergen. Signs and symptoms may be mild at first, but can rapidly worsen.
Is an EpiPen subcutaneous or intramuscular?
The product label of EpiPen, the only autoinjection epinephrine product approved in the US for anaphylaxis, recommends
IM intramuscular injection
into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, but it also states that epinephrine, when given intramuscularly or subcutaneously, has a rapid onset of action, which supports …
Do Epipens go through clothes?
Contrary to popular belief,
the EpiPen injection can be delivered through clothing
. Count to 10 while administering the epinephrine. After you inject it into your thigh, hold the EpiPen in place and count to 10. This will allow the medication enough time to be delivered into your body.
