Epinephrine Auto-Injectors - Health Tips
Get practical tips regarding Epinephrine Auto-Injectors to help you prepare for your appointments and manage your care from home.
- Always carry 2 devices with you, 1 in 5 patients experiencing anaphylaxis don’t improve after the first injection
- Epinephrine is light and temperature sensitive, make sure that you don’t leave your device in the car or anywhere where it can get overheated. Store at room temperature, do not refrigerate.
- Periodically check the epinephrine solution in the viewing window. Discard if you see particles. The solution should be clear-slightly yellow.
- Epinephrine has about a year shelf-life. Make sure to check your epi-pen when receiving it from the pharmacy to make sure it will last at least a year. Make sure to get a refill once it expires.
- The needle can go through the thickest of jeans, no need to remove clothing prior to use.
- Inject into the meaty part of the thigh, this is the most effective area.
- After using get emergency medical help immediately. Epinephrine is a lifesaving treatment, but onlylasts for about 20 minutes and you may need further treatment
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction that can occur when a person is exposed to a certain allergen. While many people have mild-to-moderate allergic reactions, anaphylaxis causes an excess release of chemicals that can put a person into shock, making it difficult to breathe and possibly causing the loss of consciousness. Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency.
For many patients, anaphylaxis is triggered when they’re exposed to specific allergens like:
- Latex
- Insect stings
- Certain foods
Medications can also cause an anaphylactic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
For some, anaphylactic symptoms develop immediately after exposure to certain allergens. The earliest symptoms may include:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
As symptoms worsen, a person can experience intense abdominal pain, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat. Some people may have panic symptoms or quickly lose consciousness.
Without immediate medical treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal.
People who have experienced severe anaphylactic reactions to a certain allergen need to create an emergency treatment plan. When the specific allergens have been identified, guidance is necessary to ensure a person avoids their triggers.
An allergist can also prescribe an injectable epinephrine, or epipen, to be used in an emergency that quickly reduces symptoms, like swelling in the throat that can disrupt breathing. A person needs to carry this medication with them at all times in case of an unexpected exposure to their allergen that results in anaphylaxis.
It’s important that a person teaches their family and friends what to do if they lose consciousness during an allergic reaction: Administer an epinephrine autoinjector and call 9-1-1 for medical help.
Even if a person regains consciousness and their symptoms start to lessen, a second anaphylactic reaction can occur within 12 hours of the initial start of symptoms. For this reason, one can expect to stay in the hospital for a period of observation. A biphasic reaction can also occur more quickly, which is why its so important to always carry 2 epinephrine autoinjectors.
Epinephrine autoinjectors are life-saving medical devices that are the first line of treatment when experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you or a family member suffers from allergies that could trigger anaphylaxis, it’s important to always keep one on hand wherever you go. It is also important to know how and when to use them. Learn more about the right way to use epinephrine autoinjectors in the event of an emergency.
1st How Do Epinephrine Autoinjectors Work?
Epinephrine autoinjectors contain the medication epinephrine, which is currently recommended as the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis and the only medication that can quickly help mitigate the reaction and allow for time to get to an emergency room.
It’s important to note that epinephrine autoinjectors are to be used in the event of an emergency only and not in place of regular allergy medication.
How to Safely Store an Epinephrine Autoinjector
It’s important to keep the medication on you at all times in the event of an emergency allergic reaction but know how to store it safely not to damage the medication.
- Keep the medication out of direct sunlight and heat, and store it in a cool, dry place when on the go or when at home.
- Do not leave the epinephrine autoinjector in your car when on the go.
- Do not submerge the pen in water.
- Always keep the pen in its container until it is time for use.