Epi Pen Auto Injector (Epinephrine)

Do’s

• Carry it with you at all times.
• Check the expiration date and ease of use regularly. Make sure the EpiPen slides out of the carrying case easily.
• Inspect the solution visually. It should be clear and colorless. Discard and replace it if cloudy, pink, or brown.
• Learn how to use it properly beforehand. Read the instructions and practice if possible.
• Inform someone close to you about where you keep it and how to use it in case you can't inject yourself.
• Inject into the outer thigh as directed by your healthcare provider, even through clothing.
• Seek medical help immediately after injection. Let them know you used an EpiPen.
• Discard the used injector properly. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

Don'ts

• Don't inject into hands, feet, buttocks, or other areas besides the thigh.
• Don't hesitate to use it in an allergic emergency. Call for help after use.
• Don't use an expired or malfunctioning EpiPen.

Common Side Effects:

• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathing problems
• Paleness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Shakiness
• Headache
• Feelings of over-excitement, nervousness, or anxiety

Serious Side Effects:

• Infections at Injection Site: Some of these infections can be serious. Seek medical attention if redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site is observed.
• Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions may occur, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased heart rate (pounding heart), irregular or skipped heartbeats, chest pain (angina), and stroke (blurred vision, difficulty speaking, headache, dizziness, and weakness).

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking an Epi-pen auto-injector,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to epinephrine or any ingredients in the Epi-Pen.

Even with a sulfite allergy, using an Epi-Pen is crucial during an allergic emergency. Epinephrine's life-saving effects outweigh potential allergic reactions to sulfites.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before using EpiPen, especially regarding:

• Heart problems (angina, irregular heartbeat)
• High blood pressure
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes

EpiPen use may cause dizziness. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you feel normal again.

Alcohol and marijuana can worsen dizziness. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider.

Older adults may experience a more significant rise in blood pressure after using EpiPen.

EpiPen can be used safely during pregnancy.

EpiPen is unlikely to harm a breastfeeding infant but consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.