Hi, I'm Dan, I'll show you how to use an epinephrine auto-injector or EpiPen. You may need one because you're at risk for anaphylaxis.
Hi, I'm Dan, I'll show you how to use an epinephrine auto-injector or EpiPen. You may need one because you're at risk for anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It can cause scary symptoms like constant coughing or trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing. Talk with your doctor about all the symptoms to watch for.Anaphylaxis is an emergency, and it can happen quickly. An epinephrine auto-injector can help you feel better fast.When you use it, a small needle inside the auto-injector sends epinephrine, a medicine to treat anaphylaxis, into your body. If you ever feel like you're having a severe allergic reaction. Use the auto-injector right away. Here's how.Take the auto-injector out of its tube. Your specific auto-injector may look different. Take off the blue safety cap. Don't touch the needle in the auto-injector. Hold the auto-injector in your hand, like this. Point the needle down.Jab the needle into the outer part of your middle thigh until you hear a click or hiss. Don't inject the needle anywhere else. While injecting the epinephrine, hold your legs still and don't move. You don't have to use the auto-injector on bare skin. The needle can go through clothes, even jeans.Hold the auto-injector in place for 3 to 10 seconds, or for as long as it says on the package insert. Pull the needle straight out. Massage the injection spot for 10 seconds, or for as long as it says in the package insert.Carefully slide the auto-injector back into its tube. Then call 911 or have someone call for you. Always ask for an ambulance with epinephrine.It's important to see a doctor after you've used an auto-injector or had an allergic reaction. Until medical care gets there, lie down on your side.If you feel dizzy or weak, raise your knees or feet. If your symptoms don't get better after 5 minutes, use another auto-injector.Always carry 2 epinephrine auto-injectors with you in case of an emergency. Regularly check their use-by date and the medicine's appearance. It should be clear, not cloudy or discolored.Based on your weight, you may need to use an Epi-Pen junior. Talk with your doctor about the epinephrine auto-injector that is best for you.
Author: Semko, Laura
Online Medical Reviewer: Pierce-Smith, Daphne, RN, MSN, CCRC
Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2020
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