An EpiPen is a device used to quickly deliver the medication epinephrine to someone who’s experiencing anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life threatening consequence of an allergic reaction.

With anaphylaxis, your body becomes triggered by something you’re allergic to, such as a type of food or bee venom, and your immune system overreacts to it by causing life threatening symptoms. The reaction may start off mild but can rapidly become a medical emergency as it affects your blood pressure and breathing.

The EpiPen is an auto-injector, a device that delivers a set dose of medication deep in the muscle. Auto-injectors are also used with other There are medications.. The needle is located inside the device, and you can conveniently carry the auto-injector in your pocket or bag.

If you inject the drug into the muscle, it will stop the allergic reaction. People who are having anaphylactic reactions should still use emergency services.

If you or someone else is experiencing anaphylaxis, learn how to use an auto-injector.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can come on quickly. An emergency is an Anaphylaxis. If you or someone else is having symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should use an auto-injector. Then use the emergency services.

Symptoms to look out for can include:

Other symptoms may include:

According to the manufacturer, the three steps to using an EpiPen are:

  1. Prepare.
  2. Administer.
  3. Get help for a medical problem.

Prepare.

  • Remove the EpiPen from its clear carrier. Flip open the yellow cap of the tube and slide the device out.
  • Hold the device in your fist with the orange tip pointing down. You can remember this by using the saying “Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh.”
  • Remove the blue safety release. Using your opposite hand, pull straight up, avoiding bending or twisting the device.

Administer.

  • Place the orange tip on your thigh. Next, aim for the middle of the outer thigh, holding it at a right angle to the thigh.
  • Swing the pen back about 6 inches and firmly push it against your thigh. The orange tip contains the needle, and it should click when the injection has started.
  • Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds. Hold the needle still in the muscle while counting slowly for 3 seconds.
  • Remove the EpiPen from your thigh. Once removed, the orange tip should cover the needle, but don’t reuse the device if it doesn’t.
  • Massage the injection site. Rub the area around the injection site for 10 seconds.
Removing safety release from EpiPen
Step 1: Take off EpiPen safety releases. Firmly grip the EpiPen with one hand. Photography by Monica Pardo
How to use an Epipen
Step 2: Keep leg still and push EpiPen down into leg until a click is heard. Hold for 3 seconds. Gif by Monica Pardo.

Get help for a medical problem.

Call 911 or local emergency services, or have someone quickly take you to the nearest emergency room. Because symptoms may reoccur, it’s not recommended that you drive yourself unless absolutely necessary.

“If you use an auto-injector that isn’t an EpiPen, please review the instructions from the manufacturer and go to a doctor with any questions or concerns.”

“If the person doesn’t respond well to the first dose, they may need a second dose.”

If you need to give an auto-injector to another adult, follow the steps above and give the injection into the upper thigh. It may be helpful to administer the injection while the person is lying down.

The steps are similar but different with children. There are differences you should know before administering a drug to a child.

Prepare.

  • Remove the EpiPen Jr device from its clear carrier. Flip open the green cap of the tube and slide the device out.
  • Hold the device in your fist with the orange tip pointing down. A great way to remember this is by using the saying “Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh.”
  • Remove the blue safety release. Using your opposite hand, pull straight up, avoiding bending or twisting the device.

Administer.

  • Hold the child’s leg firmly in place while administering the injection. This step will help ensure they receive the entire dose and will prevent injuries.
  • Place the orange tip on the thigh. Next, aim for the middle of the outer thigh, holding it at a right angle to the thigh.
  • Swing the pen back about 6 inches and firmly push it against their thigh. The orange tip contains the needle, and it should click when the injection has started.
  • Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds. Hold the needle still in the muscle while counting slowly for 3 seconds.
  • Remove the EpiPen Jr device from their thigh. Once removed, the orange tip should cover the needle, but don’t reuse the device if it doesn’t.
  • Massage the injection site. Rub the area around the injection site for 10 seconds.

Get help for a medical problem.

If you want to take them to the nearest emergency room, call the emergency services.

“Don’t use an adult EpiPen to treat children. The EpiPen Jr device has a lower dose of the drug, and if children get too much, it could hurt them. If your child has an allergic reaction and doesn’t have an EpiPen Jr, you should call the emergency services.”

“Many doctors offices and healthcare facilities have training devices. It’s a good idea for them to show you how to use the EpiPen.”

You should use an EpiPen when you suspect that you or others are experiencing a severe allergic reaction. When the symptoms of anaphylaxis begin, that’s when the device is needed.

Only those who have been prescribed the device by their doctor should use it.

“Epispermia shouldn’t be given in place of medical treatment. You need to ask for help immediately.”

Antihistamine There are medications., such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), can be used to manage allergy symptoms.

Mild allergy symptoms can be alleviated with these There are medications..

Antihistamines can’t treat anaphylaxis on their own. Not only do they not act as quickly as epinephrine, but they also can’t effectively treat anaphylaxis by opening the airway or helping to raise your blood pressure.

Doctors may recommend taking a few days of medication to help prevent symptoms from returning. Other therapies can be used.

What should you do if someone is having anaphylactic shock? Follow the steps below if you need to.

  1. Call the emergency number.
  2. Ask the person if they have an auto-injector. If so, ask if they need your help administering the injection.
  3. Administer. the epinephrine injection.
  4. Remove any tight-fitting clothing.
  5. Help the person lie down. If they are feeling unwell, turn them on their side. If they are unconscious, pregnant, or have trouble breathing, turn them on their side.
  6. If possible, remove allergy symptoms.
  7. If possible, cover the person with a blanket.
  8. They should not be given any food or drink.
  9. “If symptoms don’t improve in about 15 minutes, give another injection. More than two injections should be given with the supervision of a medical professional.”
  10. If there are no signs of breathing, administer CPR.
  11. Stay with the person and be sure to keep reassuring them.

To help prevent an anaphylactic reaction, or to be prepared if you do, follow the safety tips below.

  • Identify and avoid your allergy triggers. Examples of common allergy triggers include:
  • Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you. Try to carry a double pack in case you have a reaction and one dose doesn’t alleviate your symptoms or your symptoms come back before help arrives.
  • Monitor the expiration date. The drug’s life depends on the manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmation. They may extend use dates if needed. You can find the expiration date on the device itself or on the FDA website.
  • Check your auto-injector regularly. Note the expiration date and the color of the liquid in the injector, which should be clear. Replace your auto-injector if the fluid is discolored.
  • Always store your epinephrine auto-injector at room temperature. Extremes in temperature may make the medication less effective.
  • Know the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction. Knowing this information can allow you to administer your epinephrine injection promptly.
  • Learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector. Be sure your family, friends, and caregivers know as well. Many manufacturers include a practice injector (trainer) to practice administering an injection.
  • Let others know about your allergy. This can help them learn what to do if you have a severe allergic reaction. Consider wearing medical identification jewelry or carrying a medical identification card to let people know about your allergy in case of an emergency.
  • Always use 911 or local emergency services if you experience anaphylaxis. Don’t wait for your symptoms to improve. Ask for medical care as soon as you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
  • Make sure you properly dispose of your EpiPen. The device contains a needle and must be disposed of in a special container for sharp objects. These containers should be available through a local pharmacy, medical supply company, or healthcare professional. If not available, the FDA recommends disposing of your EpiPen in an empty laundry detergent container that’s sealed with a lid.

Can you use an expired EpiPen?

When you don’t store your EpiPen properly or replace it when it expires, it can compromise the effectiveness of the medication. For example, a 2017 study showed a significant drug breakdown after the expiration date and cited cases in which patients died from anaphylaxis after receiving a dose from expired EpiPens.

It is best to replace your pens before they are no longer useful.

How do you get an EpiPen?

“You can get an EpiPen from a pharmacy if you get a doctor’s prescription.”

They may test you for allergies before they prescribe the drug. If you have had an anaphylactic event in the past, you should tell the doctor what happened.

How much does an EpiPen cost?

The cost of an EpiPen can be different depending on how you pay.

If you are using health insurance, you should know that different plans have different amounts of coverage and that different copays and deductibles may apply. You can call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to find out your costs.

If you use Medicare, you’ll want to learn more about what coverage includes.

If you’re paying out of pocket without insurance, you’ll want to check online for pharmacy coupons to help with the costs. Prices for one EpiPen syringe can range from $127.50 to $603.57.

However, costs can vary based on the distributor and based on whether you use a mail-order or in-person pharmacy. You can learn more about the costs of EpiPens here.

An emergency medical situation can be caused by an allergic reaction. EpiPens can help stop the symptoms of anaphylaxis and help you stay calm until help arrives.

If you have a severe allergy, you should always have an auto-injector. The injection takes effect quickly. The injection is done in the thigh.

You and your family should know how to administer an EpiPen properly and how to identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

If you know about anaphylactic shock, you can give an injection.