GENERIC NAME: EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR (ep-in-EFF-rin)
BRAND NAME(S): Epi E-Z Pen, Epipen
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart and reverse hives and swelling around the face and lips. This medication is used in emergencies to treat potentially dangerous allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs or other substances.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection. It is designed to be self-administered. To use, remove the safety cap. Hold the device with the black tip against the thigh and apply moderate pressure for several seconds. This will release a spring activated plunger which pushes a concealed needle into the outer part thigh to deliver the medication. Discard the unit properly. The effects of this medication should be felt within seconds. Administer through the clothing if necessary. Seek further medical help immediately. Try to keep warm and avoid exertion. Tell the health care professional you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine. Administer to the thigh area only. Avoid use near a vein or the buttocks.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may feel slight nervousness and an increased heart rate soon after the injection. A pounding heartbeat, sweating, nausea, vomiting, breathing trouble, headache, dizziness and anxiety may also occur. The effects of this medication begin to wear off after 10 to 20 minutes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: heart conditions, thyroid disease, diabetes, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or if breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: antidepressants. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Hives - Read about hives (urticaria) causes (allergy, stress), rash symptoms (skin welts, raised red itchy bumps) and treatment. Dermatographism and swelling (angioedema) may accompany hives.
- Food Allergy - These are common food allergies: egg, nuts, milk, peanut, fish, shellfish, strawberry and tomatoes. Read about symptoms, testing methods, treatment of allergic reactions and diagnosis.
- Anaphylaxis - Read about anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) causes (insect stings, latex allergy, food allergy, medication allergy) symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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