Epipen (Epinephrine Auto Injector) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Bee and Wasp Sting »

Insect stings overview

Bee and wasp stings are common causes of medical problems. Bees and wasps, together with fire ants, are all related insects that belong to the Hymenoptera order. Bee and wasp stings can cause significant reactions, ranging from localized pain and swelling to serious and even potentially fatal conditions. At least 40 deaths occur each year in the U.S. as a result of bee or wasp stings.

What are the types of wasps?

There are over 25,000 species of wasps found throughout the world. Some of the most common wasps include:

The yellow jacket and hornet, both of which live in groups, or colonies, in temperate climates.
Yellow jackets, which have black and yellow stripes on the abdomen, form underground nests.
Hornets are predominantly black with some yellow markings on the head and thorax. Hornets form paper-like nests that are attached to trees, bush...

Read the Bee and Wasp Sting article »

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Epipen Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epinephrine injection?

If you have certain conditions, you may not be able to use epinephrine, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use the medication. Before using epinephrine, tell your doctor if you have:

heart disease or high blood pressure;
a heart rhythm disorder;
coronary artery disease;
Parkinson's disease;
diabetes; or
a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether epinephrine is harmful to an unborn baby. If possible before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Before an emergency occurs, talk to your doctor about using epinephrine injection if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use epinephrine injection?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Seek emergency medical attention even after you use this medication to treat a severe allergic reaction. The effects of epinephrine injection may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. You will need to receive further treatment and observation.

The auto-injector device this medicine comes in is a disposable single-use system that contains a spring-loaded needle. Epinephrine injection comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not remove the safety cap until you are ready to use the auto-injector. Never put your fingers over the tip when removing the safety cap or after the safety cap has been removed.

To use an epinephrine auto-injector:

Form a fist around the auto-injector with the black tip pointing down. Pull off the safety cap.
Place the black tip against the fleshy portion of your outer thigh. You may give the injection directly through your clothing. Do not put your thumb over the end of the unit.
With a quick motion, push the auto-injector firmly against your thigh. This will release the spring-loaded needle that injects the dose of epinephrine. Hold the auto-injector in place for a few seconds after activation.
Remove the auto-injector from your thigh. Carefully re-insert the used device needle-first into the carrying tube. Re-cap the tube and take it with you to the emergency room so that anyone who treats you will know how much epinephrine you have received.
Use each auto-injector only one time. Even though a small amount of liquid may remain inside the unit, throw it away after one use.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it, or if the expiration date printed on the label has passed. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store this medication at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not refrigerate this medication, and do not store it in a car.

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