<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> EPIPEN is Epinephrenine. It is an allergy therapy auto-injector. What is the EpiPen Auto-Injector? The Epipen Auto-Injector is a disposable drug delivery system with a spring-activated, concealed needle. It is designed for emergency self-administration to provide rapid, convenient first-aid for individuals sensitive to potentially fatal allergic reactions. What is the active ingredient? The active ingredient is epinephrine. Injection of epinephrine is the treatment of choice for allergic emergencies (anaphylactic reactions) because it quickly constricts blood vessels, relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulates the heartbeat, and works to reverse hives and swelling around the face and lips (angioedema). Why might I need an EpiPen Auto-Injector? The Epipen is commonly prescribed for individuals who have had prior severe allergic reactions to: a.. certain foods such as nuts, shellfish or eggs b.. drugs such as penicillin c.. insect stings by bees, hornets, yellow jackets, etc. d.. exercise Such an allergic reaction may be so severe as to be life-threatening and could occur when no physician or hospital is near. NOTE: e.. Expanded labelling indicates use of an EpiPen for temporary emergency treatment of severe life-threatening asthma attacks. Why was the EpiPen Auto-Injector developed? Initially this auto-injector design was developed for the military to deliver antidotes in the event of poison gas attack. It was ideal because of the need for a fast, convenient easy method of giving life-saving medication in a high stress situation. Subsequently, the same auto-injector system was used with other drugs as part of the NASA Manned Space Flight Program. The EpiPen Auto-Injector resulted from the realization that patients experiencing serious allergic reactions may also be fearful of injecting themselives with life-saving medication or incapable of using a conventional syringe. How does the EpiPen Auto-Injector work? The EpiPen is simple to use and the absence of a visible needle helps to minimize fear and resistance to self-injection. Activate the EpiPen by: 1.. Remove the gray safety cap 2.. Hold the EpiPen (firmly) with the black tip against the thigh (do not cover the end of the EpiPen with your thumb!!) 3.. Apply moderate pressure and hold for several seconds. (Count to 10) Discard the unit. 4.. [Ed's note] Call 911 or emergency medical assistance. Pushing the EpiPen against the thigh releases a spring activated plunger, pushing the concealed needle into the thigh muscle and expelling a dose of epinephrine. Where should the EpiPen be placed for injection? The EpiPen should simply be pushed against the fleshy outer portion of the thigh. There is no need for more precise placement. DO NOT ATTEMPT INJECTION INTO A VEIN OR INTO BUTTOCKS. What will I feel when I use an EpiPen Auto-Injector? The injection itself is actually quite painless Upon removing the EpiPen after injection, you will see a short needle protruding. In most instances, the beneficial effects of the drug will be felt within seconds. The most common changes you may feel are a more rapid heart beat and a slight nervousness, "like a short of adrenalin". Even though a residual amount of material remains within an EpiPen after use, the unit cannot be used again and should be properly discarded. Can the EpiPen Auto-Injector be used through clothing? Yes, if necessary. The preferred method is to remove your clothing from the site of injection. However, if this is too difficult or awkward, or if there is no time the EpiPen may be used directly through your clothing After using an EpiPen Auto-Injector, what else must I do? The EpiPen is intended for emergency use only. After use, you should try to get further medical help immediately. At the same time, try to keep warm and avoid unnecessary exertion. The effects of the injection begin to wear off after 10 to 20 minutes, therefore it is important that you should seek further medical assistance. Make certain you tell health professionals who will treat you that you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine. Does the EpiPen come in different strengths? Yes, Epipens come in two strengths: Adults-- use EpiPen (Yellow label) with 0.3 mg dose Young children up to 33 kg--use EpiPen Jr. (White label) with 0.15 mg dose Both strengths deliver a single dose. Sometimes a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to completely reverse the effects of an anaphylactic reaction. For that reason, some physicians prescribe more than one auto-injector. Also, some patients like to keep one unit at home, one on their person, and one at their place of work to ensure than an EpiPen is available at all times. How and where can I obtain an EpiPen Auto-Injector? See your physician first. The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. are available from most pharmacies. Are there any special tips or precautions I should know? The EpiPen Auto-Injector is quite durable, but like any instrument, it can be damaged if mishandled. a.. Remove the gray safety cap ONLY when you are ready to use the EpiPen, otherwise the unit could be activated prematurely. b.. Never put your fingers over the black tip when removing the safety cap, or after the safety cap has been removed. c.. Epinephrine is stable at room temperature until the marked expiration date. EpiPen should not be refrigerated; refrigeration for extended period of time may cause the unit to malfunction. d.. EpiPen should not be exposed to extreme heat, such as in the glove compartment or trunk of a car during the summer. e.. Do not expose the EpiPen to direct sunlight; light and heat can cause epinephrine to oxidize and go bad, turning brown. f.. Check contents of the cartridge periodically through the viewing window to make sure the solution is clear and colorless. If the solution appears brown, replace the unit immediately. g.. Always replace your EpiPen with a fresh unit prior to the expiration date. Hope this will help some of you who have questions. Please take good care ! Mireille (Gaspesie, Quebec) [log in to unmask]