Everything You Need to Know About Epipens
Written by SMH Emergency Medicine Chemist's shop Resident Alexandra Carlson, PharmD
Not all allergic reactions are treated in the same way, and it's of import to sympathize the deviation in symptoms and treatments.
Allergies that are seasonal or are brought on past things like pets, grit, pollen or grass may crusade a runny olfactory organ and itchy, red or watery eyes, only these reactions are not medical emergencies and typically are not life-threatening. They unremarkably can exist relieved with over-the-counter oral antihistamine medications, nose sprays or topical antihistamines.
Severe allergies — reactions typically associated with such things as bee stings, nuts or shellfish — pb to anaphylaxis, a sudden, potentially life-threatening condition that can occur inside seconds of exposure to the allergen, causing the body to go into shock and breathing to become difficult. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment and medical attention.
Anaphylaxis symptoms tin can include hives, rash or itching; difficulty animate, wheezing and chest tightness; swelling of the natural language/pharynx, upper airway, face or lips; dizziness or fainting; difficulty swallowing; and even a serious drop in claret pressure.
Severe reactions with anaphylaxis crave immediate treatment with an epinephrine injector, followed by immediate medical attention, regardless of whether symptoms amend.
There are several brands of epinephrine injectors available, including the well-known EpiPen. In the U.S., generic and other brands include Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q and Symjepi. If you are prescribed an epinephrine injector, talk to your medico, insurance company and local pharmacy to make up one's mind which i is the best and nigh affordable option for y'all.
Anaphylaxis Treatment
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and y'all must seek medical attention right away. Do not wait.
If someone has been diagnosed with a astringent allergy and is known to be at risk for anaphylaxis when exposed to a specific allergen — from the surroundings (i.e. bees), foods, or something else — they likely will have a prescription for an EpiPen or a generic injector. They should always carry the medication on their person, everywhere. (For young patients, parents should ensure the child always has an epinephrine injector handy.)
Epinephrine, which can be administered by the allergy sufferer or someone nearby, must exist given immediately after any symptom appears. The epinephrine will bring fast relief, but the allergen can final longer in the organization than the medication, so following up with immediate medical care is necessary to avoid a second reaction that can potentially exist just as severe and life threatening every bit the first.
Each package of epinephrine injectors comes with two injecting devices. When possible, the second dose should be carried forth en route to medical care after a reaction — fifty-fifty if by ambulance — in example a 2d reaction occurs before to arriving at a medical site.
Using an Epinephrine Injector
Exist prepared for a medical emergency: Carefully read your medication's directions equally soon as you purchase it. Each type and brand of epinephrine injector has its ain specific set of directions for utilise.
Dosing amounts depend on body weight and vary for infants, toddlers, youth and adults. Epinephrine'southward side effects can include an increased heart charge per unit, flushed confront, nervousness/agitation and shakiness.
In addition to the two agile epinephrine injectors, about brands include a practice injector in each package as well. We recommend using the practice injector with guidance from a medical professional familiar with administration, such as your pharmacist, doctor or a nurse, etc., to ensure you're using it properly.
If your kit doesn't have a practice injector, enquire your local pharmacy whether they take demo injectors available and someone who can demonstrate proper usage. Yous can also asking a trainer/exercise injector pen from most manufacturers' websites.
The basic administration steps are similar for all epinephrine injectors:
- Remove the injector from its packaging.
- Remove the cap and whatsoever prophylactic pieces. (There is usually a slice that comes off the top, too as the lesser of each injector.)
- Forcefully button the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. (Brands may instruct users to agree the pen in place for iii, five or 10 seconds. Merely holding it for 10 seconds is advisable in all cases, and it may easier to think.)
- Pull the injector straight up and discard it properly. The injector should cover the needle automatically once it'due south removed from the leg.
- Call 9-ane-1, or seek medical attention immediately. Have the second injector close by in case of a second reaction.
NEVER inject epinephrine into the arm, chest, back, buttocks, hands or anywhere else, if at all possible.
Disposing of a Used Epinephrine Injector
The injector'due south needle is very sharp and is long enough to penetrate denim, so use these precautions when removing and disposing of used or expired injectors.
- Exercise Non throw away injectors in household trash.
- Some local pharmacies accept expired medications for disposal; ask if your local pharmacy volition have used epinephrine injectors.
- Some cities or counties take household chancy waste collection programs that include medical waste. Contact your local sanitation section or hospital to find out whether in that location is a drib-off site available nigh yous.
Reminder: Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and yous must seek medical attention right away. Do non expect.
SMH Chemist's shop Resident Alex Carlson, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Illinois and Florida. After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, she completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency in Illinois before moving to Sarasota, Fla., where she is a PGY2 Pharmacy resident in Emergency Medicine at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Source: https://www.smh.com/blog/allergies-epipens-what-you-need-to-know
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