Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: How to Recognize the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
• Part 2 of 3: How to use the autoinjector
• Part 3 of 3: How to store your autoinjector properly
• Warnings

The EpiPen Syringe is an epinephrine autoinjector used to treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal and urgent condition that cannot be delayed. Epinephrine is a synthetic version of the body's natural adrenaline. A single dose of epinephrine (provided that it was administered correctly) poses virtually no danger. Correct and timely use of EpiPen can save a person's life.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: How to Recognize the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

1. 1 Identify the symptoms. Anaphylaxis can occur after accidental exposure to a known allergen, or if a person is exposed to an allergen for the first time.Some people may even develop hypersensitivity to the allergen, provoking an allergy to something that has not previously caused an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can be so severe that it becomes life-threatening. Pay attention to the following symptoms:
   • Redness of the face
   • The appearance of a rash on the body
   • Swelling of the throat and mouth
   • Difficulty swallowing and speaking
   • Severe asthma attack
   • Abdominal pain
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Lower blood pressure
   • Fainting and loss of consciousness
   • Confusion, dizziness, or a "depressing sense of doom"
2. 2 Ask the victim if they need help with their EpiPen autoinjector. Anaphylaxis is considered a medical emergency. If the victim knows they need an injection and can tell you how to give it, you should help them as soon as possible. Instructions for using EpiPen are on the autoinjector label.
3. 3 Call an ambulance. Even if you have given epinephrine / adrenaline, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
   • Be sure to save the ambulance number in the phone's memory. In Russia, the ambulance telephone number is 103.
   • The first step is to inform the operator of your location so that an ambulance can be dispatched to you immediately.
   • Describe to the operator the condition of the victim and what exactly happened to him.
4. 4 Check to see if the victim has a medical bracelet or necklace. If you suspect that an older person has anaphylactic shock, check to see if he has a medical bracelet or necklace. People with severe allergies usually wear them just in case.
   • These necklaces and bracelets should indicate the disease and additional health information.
   • As a rule, they should be marked with a Red Cross sign or other easily recognizable sign.
   • If you suffer from severe allergies, always keep the instructions for use of EpiPen handy. This way, if you are unable to inject epinephrine yourself and another person has to inject it for you, they will know what to do.
   • Do not inject EpiPen into someone with heart failure unless they have their own doctor-prescribed autoinjector.

Part 2 of 3: How to use the autoinjector

1. 1 Squeeze the EpiPen firmly in the middle of the tube. Do not cover the edges of the injector with your hand to avoid accidentally activating the trigger. EpiPen is a disposable autoinjector. Once applied, it can no longer be reused.
   • Do not put your fingers on the edges of the injector to avoid accidentally pressing the trigger.
   • Remove the blue cap (opposite end from the orange cap that contains the needle).
2. 2 Inject epinephrine into your upper thigh. Attach the orange end to the outside of your thigh and then push hard. You will hear a click when the needle enters your thigh.
   • Please wait a few seconds.
   • Do not inject anywhere other than the outer thigh. Accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine can be fatal.
3. 3 Extract EpiPen. Remove the needle and then massage the injection site for 10 seconds.
   • Check the orange end. When you remove the syringe from your thigh, the orange protective end should automatically cover the needle.
4. 4 Get ready for possible side effects. Possible consequences after using EpiPen include panic or paranoia, as well as uncontrolled muscle contraction. This is NOT an attack.
   • The shaking should subside within the next few minutes or hours. Don't be alarmed. Try to remain calm and confident. Your calmness will help calm the victim.
5. 5 Go to the hospital immediately. In about 20% of acute cases, the first attack of anaphylaxis is followed by another, which is called biphasic anaphylactic shock. After giving epinephrine to yourself or another person, seek medical attention immediately.
   • A second attack of anaphylaxis can be mild or severe. If left unattended, death is possible.
   • The second crisis occurs after the patient's condition improves. Even if you are feeling well, you still need to go to the hospital.

Part 3 of 3: How to store your autoinjector properly

1. 1 Store EpiPen in its original box until needed. The tube will protect the EpiPen so that it can be used safely if needed. Place the syringe tube on the lock until you need it.
2. 2 Take a look through the peephole. Most syringe tubes have an “eye” through which you can see the medicine. The liquid should be completely transparent. If it is cloudy or has a different color, it means that epinephrine has lost its effectiveness under the influence of the high temperature. This can happen at any time before the expiration date. Depending on the temperature and the duration of its exposure, the activity of the medicinal substance may be partially or completely lost.
   • Use this epinephrine only as a last resort, but try to replace it at the first opportunity.
3. 3 Store EpiPen at the correct temperature. EpiPen can be stored at temperatures between 15 and 30 ° C. Generally, it should be stored at room temperature.
   • Do not store EpiPen in the refrigerator.
   • Do not expose it to extreme cold or high temperatures.
4. 4 Check the expiration date. EpiPen has a limited shelf life, after which the syringe tube must be replaced. Expired EpiPen may no longer save the life of an anaphylaxis victim.
   • If you have no other choice, then inject expired EpiPen. Expired epinephrine loses its effectiveness but does not become harmful. It's still better than nothing.
   • After injecting epinephrine, EpiPen should be disposed of safely. To do this, take it to the pharmacy.

Warnings

• When your doctor or nurse prescribes EpiPen for you, they will show you how to use it.
• EpiPen should only be injected by its owner.