EpiPen

Generic name: Epinephrine

What is EpiPen?

EpiPen is used in the emergency department for the treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs. and other allergens.

What is the most important information I should know about EpiPen?

EpiPens are pre-filled automatic injection devices for use during allergic emergencies. They are to be injected into your outer thigh and must be carried with you at all times.

Refer to "How should I take this medication?" for proper procedures on how to use EpiPen.

Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the black tip of the auto-injector. Do NOT remove the gray activation cap until ready to use.

Never inject EpiPen into hands, fingers, feet, or toes. Doing so may cause a loss of blood flow and result in tissue damage to these areas. If you accidentally inject EpiPen into any of these areas, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

EpiPen does not contain latex.

Immediately after using this product, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You may need further medical attention. Tell the doctor or health care provider that you have received an injection of epinephrine. Show the doctor the thigh where the injection was given. Give your used EpiPen to the doctor for inspection and proper disposal.

Who should not take EpiPen?

There are no absolute reasons why you should not use EpiPen. This drug should be used more cautiously in those who are allergic to any ingredient in EpiPen.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of EpiPen?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with EpiPen. Also, talk to your doctor about you complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, angle-closure glaucoma, mental or mood disorders, asthma, depression, an irregular heartbeat, or diabetes. In addition, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual EpiPen dose for adults is 0.3 mg.

Children: The usual EpiPen dose for children is 0.15mg or 0.30 mg depending upon the body weight. (A dosage of 0.15mg may be more appropriate for patients weighing less than 30kg.) A dosage of 0.01mg per kilogram of body weight is appropriate.

How should I take EpiPen?

In case of emergency, inject this medication as directed by your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Check EpiPen regularly. Replace the injector unit if it contains particles, is discolored, or is cracked or damaged in any way.

Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the black tip of the auto-injector. Do NOT remove the gray activation cap until ready to use.

Directions for Use: Unscrew the yellow or green cap off of the EpiPen carrying case and remove the product from its storage tube. Grasp unit with the black tip pointing downward. Form fist around the unit (black tip down).

With your other hand, pull off the gray safety release. Hold black tip near outer thigh. Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until it clicks so that the unit is perpendicular (at a 90° angle) to the thigh. (Auto-injector is designed to work through clothing.) Hold firmly against thigh for approximately 10 seconds. (The injection is now complete. Window on auto-injector will show red.)

Remove unit from thigh and massage injection area for 10 seconds. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Carefully place the used EpiPen (without bending the needle), needle-end first, into the storage tube of the carrying case that provides built-in needle protection after use. Then screw the cap of the storage tube back on completely, and take it with you to the hospital emergency room.

Inject EpiPen only into the outer thigh. Do not inject into the buttocks or into a vein.

Immediately after use, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You may need further medical attention. Tell the doctor or healthcare provider that you have received an injection of epinephrine. Show the thigh where the injection was given. Give your used EpiPen to the doctor for inspection and proper disposal.

Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your healthcare provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

What should I avoid while taking EpiPen?

Avoid using solutions that are either discolored or cloudy. Do not inject anywhere else except your outer thigh.

Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the black tip of the auto-injector. Do NOT remove the gray activation cap until ready to use.

Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with EpiPen?

If EpiPen is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining EpiPen with the following: amitriptyline, amoxapine, bucindolol, carteolol, carvedilol, clomipramine, desipramine, dilevalol, dothiepin, doxepin, entacapone, halothane, imipramine, levobunolol, linezolid, lofepramine, metipranolol, nadolol, nortriptyline, opipramol, oxprenolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, protriptyline, rocuronium, sotalol, tertatolol, timolol, and trimipramine.

What are the possible side effects of EpiPen?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: sweating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, tremors, headache, nervousness, anxiety, increased heart rate, palpitations, difficulty sleeping, fearfulness

Can I receive EpiPen if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of EpiPen during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Talk to your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding due to the potential harm to the baby.

What should I do if I miss a dose of EpiPen?

If you miss a dose of EpiPen, contact your doctor right away.

How should I store EpiPen?

Keep the EpiPen nearby and ready for use at all times. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Protect from light. Do NOT store in refrigerator. Do NOT expose to extreme cold or heat. For example, do NOT store in your vehicle's glove box. Keep out of the reach of children.