Epinephrine Auto-Injector

When should ready-to-use epinephrine auto-injectors be used?
This medication is used in emergency situations to treat very serious allergic reactions caused by stings, insect bites, foods, or drugs. Epinephrine works quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart and raise low blood pressure, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.

How are auto-injection medications used?
Keep this product close to you at all times. Talk to your doctor about when you should use this product. This medication is given by injection. Learn how to inject this medication correctly in advance so that you are prepared when you actually need to use it. You should also teach family members or your caregiver what to do if you are unable to inject the medication yourself. To avoid intravenous injection, always inject this medication into the outer front thigh, not into the buttocks. The effects of this medication are fast-acting but do not last long. After injecting epinephrine, you must seek immediate medical attention.

What are the possible side effects of epinephrine injection?
Using this medication may cause rapid heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, tremor, or paleness of the skin. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fainting, vision changes, seizures, or confusion.

How should the auto-injector be stored?
Store this product in its protective portable carton at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from light and moisture. Avoid extreme heat and cold. Do not store this medication in the car, in the bathroom, or in the refrigerator (either cooling or freezing compartment). You should periodically check the expiration date and also visually inspect the product to ensure no particles appear or color change has occurred.

When should epinephrine auto-injectors be used?
A person experiencing allergic reactions should use an epinephrine auto-injector immediately in the following situations: difficulty breathing, feeling of throat tightness, or feeling dizzy or about to lose consciousness. When treating a child with allergies, the epinephrine auto-injector should be used in the following cases:

1. Unresponsiveness, staggering, or loss of consciousness during an allergic reaction.

2. Food allergy with repeated vomiting shortly after eating, especially if accompanied by a rash or hives.

3. Persistent coughing during an allergic reaction.

4. Previous anaphylactic shock and widespread hives after eating the allergy-triggering food.

Instructions for use:

• Hold the epinephrine injector (EpiPen) in your dominant hand and use your thumb to remove the gray safety cap.

• Remove the gray safety cap.

• Firmly inject the epinephrine injector into the outer thigh, through clothing if necessary.

• Hold the injector in place for 10 seconds.

• Remove the epinephrine injector from the outer thigh.

• Massage the injection area for 10 seconds.

• Dispose of the epinephrine injector safely because the needle is exposed after removing the protective cap.

• The epinephrine injector is for single use only.