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EpiPen®
(Epinephrine) Auto-Injector 0.15/0.3 mg

For allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis)

Amount of epinephrine delivered

EpiPen® = one dose of 0.30 mg epinephrine (USP. 1:1000, 0.3 mL)
EpiPen® Jr = one dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine (USP 1:2000, 0.3 mL)

Please be prepared! Read both sides of this insert before an emergency occurs! EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) and EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr are disposable, prefilled automatic injection devices for use during allergic emergencies. They contain a single dose of epinephrine which you inject into your outer thigh. EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) and EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr contain no latex.

Its important that you have this emergency medicine with you at all times. If you need additional units to keep at work, school, etc, please talk to your doctor.

WHEN TO USE

EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) and EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr auto-injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). You should use this medication only if your doctor has prescribed it for allergic emergencies. Such emergencies may occur from insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, latex, other allergens, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, or unknown causes.

CARE AND STORAGE

•  Keep the EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) or EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr auto-injector nearby and ready for use at all times.
•  Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59T-86T) (See USP Controlled Room Temperature). Contains no latex. Protect from light.
•  Do NOT store in refrigerator
•  Do NOT expose to extreme cold or heat. For example, do NOT store in your vehicles glove box.

Your auto-injector has an expiration date

•  Example: "DEC 05" = December 31, 2005.
•  Replace it before the expiration date.

To dispose of expired units

Expired auto-injectors must be disposed of properly.

To dispose of an expired auto-injector and carrier, take it to your doctor's office or to a hospital for proper disposal.

Examine contents in clear window of auto-injector periodically

•  If the solution is discolored or contains solid particles (precipitate), replace the unit. Solution should be clear.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

•  NEVER PUT THUMB, FINGERS, OR HAND OVER BLACK TIP.
•  DO NOT REMOVE GRAY SAFETY RELEASE UNTIL READY TO USE.
•  DO NOT USE IF SOLUTION IS DISCOLORED OR RED FLAG APPEARS IN CLEAR WINDOW.
•  DO NOT PLACE PATIENT INSERT OR ANY OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS IN CARRIER WITH AUTO-INJECTOR, AS THIS MAY PREVENT YOU FROM REMOVING THE AUTO-INJECTOR FOR USE.

1.  Unscrew the yellow or green cap off of the EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) or EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr carrying case and remove the EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) or EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr auto-injector from its storage tube.
2.  Grasp unit with the black tip pointing downward.
3.  Form fist around the unit (black tip down).
4.  With your other hand, pull off the gray safety release.
5.  Hold black tip near outer thigh.
6.  Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until it clicks so that unit is perpendicular (at a 90° angle) to the thigh. (Auto-injector is designed to work through clothing.)
7.  Hold firmly against thigh for approximately 10 seconds. (The injection is now complete. Window on auto-injector will show red.)
8.  Remove unit from thigh and massage injection area for 10 seconds.
9.  Call 91 1 and seek immediate medical attention.
10. Carefully place the used auto-injector (without bending the needle), needle-end first, into the storage tube of the carrying case that provides built-in needle protection after use. Then screw the cap of the storage tube back on completely and take it with you to the hospital emergency room.

Note: Most of the liquid [about 90%) stays in the auto-injector and cannot be reused. However, you have received the correct dose of the medication if the red flag appears in window.

WARNING

•  NEVER put thumb, fingers, or hand over black tip. The needle comes out of black tip. Accidental injection into hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to these areas. If this happens, go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
•  EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) and EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr should be injected only into the outer thigh (see "Directions for Use").
•  Do NOT remove gray safety release until ready to use.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE

• Go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.
• You may need further medical attention. Take your used auto-injector with you.
• Tell the doctor that you have received an injection of epinephrine in your thigh.
• Give your used EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) /EpiPen® (epinephrine auto injector) Jr to the doctor for inspection and proper disposal.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/16/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.