Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the symptoms of anaphylactic shock
• Part 2 of 3: Using the EpiPen
• Part 3 of 3: Storing the EpiPen
• Warnings

An EpiPen is an adrenaline autoinjector used to treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock, also called anaphylaxis, can be fatal and is a medical emergency where it is important to treat the patient first and then call an ambulance. Epinephrine is a synthetic version of the adrenaline that the body produces naturally. A single dose of epinephrine administered properly poses little risk to the body. Using an EpiPen quickly and correctly can save someone's life.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the symptoms of anaphylactic shock

1. Recognize the symptoms. Anaphylactic shock can occur when a person is accidentally exposed to a known allergen, or when a person is exposed to a particular allergen for the first time. It is also possible to develop a sensitivity to a particular allergen. That is, you can develop an allergy to something that your body never reacted to before. In some cases, the reaction can be so severe that it can be life-threatening. Watch for the following symptoms:
   • Reddening skin
   • Skin rash
   • Swelling of the throat and mouth
   • Difficulty swallowing and breathing
   • Severe asthma
   • Stomach ache
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Lowered blood pressure
   • Fainting and unconsciousness
   • Confusion, dizziness and a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen
2. Ask the person if he or she needs help using the EpiPen. Anaphylactic shock is an emergency where it is important to treat the patient first. If the person knows he or she needs an injection and can give you directions, help them first. Instructions for using the EpiPen are printed on the side of the device.
3. Call 112. When using epinephrine / adrenaline it is still important to get medical help as soon as possible.
   • Make sure you always have the emergency number in your phone. The emergency number is 112 in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
   • First tell the person on the line your location so that an ambulance can be sent immediately.
   • Describe the person's condition as well as the problem.
4. See if the person is wearing a medical bracelet or necklace. If you think someone is in anaphylactic shock, look for a necklace or bracelet. People with severe allergies often have a medical bracelet or necklace in the event of an accident.
   • Such a necklace or bracelet will indicate the condition as well as further information about the person's health.
   • Often there will be a red cross or other easily recognizable symbol on the necklace or bracelet.
   • If you have severe allergies, always bring an EpiPen and instructions. Someone else can then help you and administer the injection properly if you are unable to do it yourself.
   • Do not give the injection to someone with heart disease unless the person has an EpiPen prescribed by a doctor.

Part 2 of 3: Using the EpiPen

1. Hold the EpiPen firmly with your fist in the center. Do not hold your fingers over the ends to prevent the product from already squirting out of the pen. An EpiPen is for single use only; once you have activated the tool, you cannot use it again.
   • To avoid accidentally operating the device, do not put your fingers on the ends.
   • Remove the blue safety cap from the injection pen (this is at the opposite end from the orange tip with the needle).
2. Insert the pin on the outside in the middle of the thigh. Hold the orange tip against the thigh and push firmly. You should hear a click when the needle enters the thigh.
   • Hold the pen in place for several seconds.
   • Insert the needle into the thigh only. If you accidentally give the adrenaline intravenously, it can be fatal.
3. Remove the EpiPen from the skin. Remove the device and massage the injection site for 10 seconds.
   • Check out the point. The orange needle cap should automatically cover the needle when you remove the EpiPen from the thigh.
4. Be prepared for possible side effects. When you use an EpiPen on someone, they can panic and become paranoid. The body can also vibrate uncontrollably. This is NOT a coincidence (seizure).
   • The vibrating will stop after a few minutes or hours. Don't panic, but try to stay calm and reassure the person. By staying calm, the person will calm down.
5. Go straight to the hospital. In 20% of all cases of anaphylaxis, the symptoms recur quickly, as it is called biphasic anaphylaxis. If you have given someone an injection with an EpiPen, he or she should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. This also applies if you have received an injection yourself.
   • The second attack can be mild or severe. The attack can be fatal without treatment.
   • The second attack occurs when the patient appears to have recovered. It is important to go to the hospital even if the person is feeling fine.

Part 3 of 3: Storing the EpiPen

1. Keep the EpiPen in the package until you need it. The cartridge will protect the EpiPen so that it can be used safely in an emergency. Do not remove the safety cap until you have to use the EpiPen.
2. Look at the window of the injection pen. Most EpiPen have a window so that you can see through the packaging at the medicine. The drug should be completely transparent. If it is cloudy or discolored, the EpiPen will stop working because it has been exposed to a very high or low temperature. This can happen before the expiry date has expired. Depending on the temperature to which the Epipen has been exposed and how long this has lasted, the drug may have lost much or all of its potency.
   • You can use the EpiPen in an emergency, but pick up a new one as soon as possible.
3. Store the EpiPen at the correct temperature. You can store the EpiPen at a temperature between 15 and 30 ° C. In general, it is best to keep it at room temperature.
   • Do not put the EpiPen in the refrigerator.
   • Do not expose the EpiPen to extreme cold or heat.
4. Check the expiration date. The EpiPen has a limited shelf life and should be replaced when the expiration date is nearing. With an expired EpiPen, you may not be able to save the life of a patient with anaphylaxis.
   • If you don't have anything else on hand, use the expired EpiPen. Epinephrine that has lost strength does not become a harmful substance. It's always better than nothing.
   • Once you have used an EpiPen, it is important to dispose of it safely. Take a used EpiPen to the pharmacy.

Warnings

• The doctor or nurse should show you how to use the EpiPen when you are prescribed one.
• Only administer the injection to the person who owns the EpiPen.