This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat
What allergies do you need an EpiPen for?
What allergies require an EpiPen? Any severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, can be treated with an EpiPen This can include food allergies like a peanut allergy, allergic reactions to insect stings and bites, and allergies to medications
When is an EpiPen prescribed?
Used most commonly for severe allergic reactions, an EpiPen is an allergy pen prescribed by an allergist that can potentially save the life of a patient who experiences anaphylaxis — which is a condition that can be identified by: Skin rash Nausea or vomiting Trouble breathing
Is EpiPen used for asthma?
Anaphylaxis and asthma: Use EpiPen® first Having asthma—especially if it’s uncontrolled—puts you at higher risk of breathing difficulties during a severe allergic reaction EpiPen® is the first-line emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions even if you have asthma
Is EpiPen painful?
Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? Like other injections that go into the muscle (eg B12 injections or vaccinations), there’s a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin Then there’s a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds
What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it?
An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death This however, is the worst-case scenario Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling
How fast does an EpiPen work?
Dr Brown generally recommends between 5 and 15 minutes as a reasonable timeframe between doses to determine if the epinephrine has taken effect She says that “if you have someone who looks like they are not breathing, they are turning blue, they are passed out, you would shorten the time window”Jan 9, 2020
What are the side effects of EpiPen?
When you get emergency medical treatment after you inject epinephrine, tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of these side effects: skin redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness at the site of injection difficulty breathing pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat nausea vomiting sweating dizziness
Does EpiPen help with breathing?
Epinephrine belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily
Do epi pens expire?
Injectable epinephrine kits come in various brands, including EpiPen, Twinject, and Avi-Q All of these devices have a relatively short shelf life due to the instability of epinephrine: approximately one year from the date of manufacture
Who uses Epipens?
EpiPen Auto-Injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens EpiPen is also used to treat exercise-induced anaphylaxis EpiPen Auto-Injectors may be kept on hand for self-injection by a person with a history of severe allergic reaction
Can an EpiPen go through jeans?
Seek immediate medical attention in the case of an accidental injection It can be administered while wearing pants Contrary to popular belief, the EpiPen injection can be delivered through clothing
What would an EpiPen do to a normal person?
Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat
How long do you hold EpiPen in thigh?
Inject the medicine into the fleshy outer portion of the thigh Do not inject into a vein or the buttocks You can give the injection through clothes or on bare skin Hold the auto-injector in place until all the medicine is injected—usually no more than 3 seconds
What does EpiPen feel like?
It almost feels like natural adrenaline rushes through a person in a life and death situation We carry them [epinephrine auto-injectors] with us everywhere and have two children with anaphylactic food allergies As quickly as the allergic reaction began, the EpiPen stopped it in its tracks We always carry two on us
Where do you inject an EpiPen?
EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries
Does EpiPen give you energy?
Epinephrine is a hormone our body produces, which gives us bursts of energy It also has the effect of stopping mast cells and basophils from releasing their contents
Do you have to go to hospital after EpiPen?
You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments
Will an EpiPen save your life?
EpiPens are available by prescription and usually covered by insurance While you may never need one, having one can help avoid serious anaphylaxis and even save a life
How many times can one EpiPen be injected?
You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed However, the dose is usually not more than 03 mg per injection
Should everyone carry an EpiPen?
Question: Should everyone carry an EpiPen? Answer: No If you are concerned about symptoms or a reaction you’ve had, you need to see a physician and they will evaluate you, determine your risk for a severe allergic reaction and then, if appropriate, prescribe an EpiPen
Does an EpiPen need a prescription?
How Do You Get an EpiPen? You can’t just go to a pharmacy and ask for an EpiPen You need to have a prescription for one, and you should fill that prescription long before you have an allergic reaction serious enough to use the EpiPen You should have the pen available for when you have an allergic reaction
Do EpiPens have to be refrigerated?
EpiPen®, EpiPen Jr®, and Epinephrine Injection, USP Auto-Injectors should not be stored in refrigerators or in a vehicle’s glove box EpiPen® Auto-Injectors and their authorized generic auto-injectors should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold and should be protected from light
What 3 things are likely to be seen in an anaphylactic reaction?
The symptoms include: feeling lightheaded or faint breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing wheezing a fast heartbeat clammy skin confusion and anxiety collapsing or losing consciousness