Similarly, allergists recommend that children and adults with severe allergies also carry epinephrine at all times.
Allergic reactions are unpredictable and can progress to life-threatening anaphylaxis rapidly.
Knowing how and when to administer epinephrine can mean the difference between life and death.
Melanie Martinez
This article covers whatepinephrineis and the symptoms of anaphylaxis to look out for.
Remove the Gray Safety Cap
Take off the gray safety cap from the back of the EpiPen.
It won’t work unless this cap is removed.
Melanie Martinez
Inject the Epinephrine
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Grasp the EpiPen in your fist.
Do not put your fingers on either end of the EpiPen.
To deliver the medicine, swing your hand outward then jab the EpiPen into the thigh.
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Push it into the thigh firmly.
Listen for a click.
The click signals that the epinephrine is being delivered.
Melanie Martinez
Hold the EpiPen in place while slowly counting to three.
You don’t need to remove your clothing to use an EpiPen.
The auto-injector can deliver the medicine through your clothes.
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If you do not hear a click, the EpiPen may have failed to deliver epinephrine.
All people with severe allergies should carry two EpiPens at all times.
This way, if an EpiPen fails to deliver medicine, you will have a backup ready.
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Call 911 and Discard the EpiPen
Once the EpiPen is used,call 911.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition, and using epinephrine is only a temporary fix.
It may be necessary to take a second dose of epinephrine.
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However, you must wait at least five minutes before taking a second dose.
Taking two doses back-to-back can lead to dangerously high blood pressure,stroke, or death.
Do not attempt to reuse the EpiPen.
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The used EpiPen must now be properly discarded.
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Remove the gray safety cap from the EpiPen.
It won’t work unless the cap is removed.
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If the child is younger, you might seat them in your lap.
miriam-doerr / Getty Images
Grasp the EpiPen in a fist.
Do not put your fingers on either end of the EpiPen.
Push it into the thigh firmly.
Listen for a click.
The click signals that the epinephrine is being delivered.
Hold the EpiPen in place while slowly counting to three.
After three seconds, the injection is complete and you might remove the EpiPen from their thigh.
Again, you do not need to remove the child’s clothes to administer the EpiPen.
The EpiPen’s needle can penetrate clothing.
Ana Maria Serrano / Getty Images
Once the EpiPen is used,call 911.
Do your best to keep the child calm while you wait for the ambulance.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition, and using epinephrine is only a temporary fix.
It may be necessary to give a second dose of epinephrine.
However, you must wait at least five minutes before giving a second dose.
Do not attempt the reuse the EpiPen.
The used EpiPen must now be properly discarded.
After using the epinephrine, seek medical attention right away as the effects wear off within 20 minutes.
Anaphylaxis can return, so further treatment and observation will be necessary.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergy.
Symptoms can begin suddenly and progress rapidly.
If the victim isunconscious, call 911 immediately.
Common brands of over-the-counter antihistamines includeBenadryl,Zyrtec, Claritin, andAllegra.
Antihistamines work by blocking your body’s response tohistaminea substance your body normally releases when it detects something harmful.
Antihistamines can be taken for very mild allergy symptoms, such as mild itching, hives, or sneezing.
When you or your child has any signs of anaphylaxis, epinephrine isessentialand should be given immediately.
Epinephrine saves lives when it is used properly and in a timely manner.
Be active by checking your auto-injectors regularly, staying on top of your refills, and avoiding known allergens.
Be consistent by doing these things routinely, because anaphylaxis usually happens unexpectedly.
If you notice any problem with your epinephrine auto-injector, let your pharmacist know.
you could also reach out to the EpiPen manufacturer, Mylan, for a free replacement at 1-800-796-9526.
The medicine works immediately to reverse the symptoms of this life-threatening allergic reaction.
However, it must be used properly and without delay in order for it to work.
Nationwide Children’s.Epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reaction (Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, EpiPen, Symjepi).
