EpiPen® (Epinephrine Auto Injector)

Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is the drug form of a hormone that is naturally produced in our body naturally by the adrenal glands. This life-saving medication acts quickly to reverse the symptoms of allergic reactions by opening up airways, accelerating heart rate, raise dropping blood pressure and reverse hives. It also quickly reduces the swelling of the face, lips and throat.

Epinephrine is derived from an amino acid called tyrosine. It is grouped as a catecholamines which are hormones made by the adrenal gland. Norepinephrine and dopamine are also referred to as catecholamines as they are both synthesized by tyrosine.

What is an EpiPen?
An EpiPen is a brand name single-use auto-injectable pen that delivers epinephrine. This life-saving medication is generally used when patients are experiencing severe allergic reactions also known as anaphylaxis.

It treats serious allergic reactions to foods, insect stings/bites, drugs and other substances.

How does an EpiPen work?
Epinephrine is recommended for emergencies to treat. anaphylaxis. It is the only drug that works on the entire body (multi-system and multi-organ).

When an EpiPen is administered, it blocks the entire body releasing allergic chemicals which stop the progression of allergic response. As a result, it increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and decreases swelling. The lungs also begin to open up as the muscles around the airways begin to relax.

An EpiPen is fast-acting but is not long-lasting.

Usage & Storage
Before using an EpiPen, ensure that your doctor, nurse and pharmacist have properly instructed you on how to use it. Read the patient information leaflet to familiarize yourself with this medication and how to use it. If you have any questions about this drug, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Each EpiPen provides a single-use injection of epinephrine.

An EpiPen should be accessible at all times.

It’s important to receive instructions from your pharmacist on how to administer this medication to be well prepared in the event you need to use it.

Friends and family should also be educated on how to properly administer an EpiPen in the event you cannot inject the medication yourself.

For children and infants, be sure to hold the leg in place when the EpiPen is administered to prevent any sudden injuries.

After using your EpiPen you should still seek medical attention immediately and notify a healthcare professional that you have given yourself an injection. This is important so that you avoid getting a double dose of epinephrine.

Avoid injecting this medication into areas other than the thigh. Do not inject into the hands, feet or buttocks and inform a healthcare professional if you have.

The medication should be clear and should not contain particles or appear discolored. Do not use an EpiPen if it appears cloudy or pink/brown in color and proceed to obtain a new supply.

How to store an EpiPen
Keep your EpiPen at room temperature
It is important to store your EpiPen® Auto-Injector in order to keep this medication effective and ready to use if you experience a severe allergic reaction.
Keep away from direct sunlight.
Keep away from extreme heat, refrigerate or freeze..
Do not store your ® Auto-Injector in a car during extremely hot temperatures as it can compromise the medication.
Do not drop.
Keep the blue safety cap on to prevent accidental injection until ready for use.
Keep the EpiPen in its carrier tube to protect from any damage and remember it is not waterproof.
Do not keep any other objects including the paper instructions to prevent from easy access when the EpiPen auto-injector is needed during a severe allergic emergency.
Consult your pharmacist about how to properly dispose of used or compromised medication.
Disposing your EpiPen
Dispose of unwanted, unused or expired EpiPen’s using an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Do not dispose of through household trash.

You may use a household container if it is:

made of heavy-duty plastic
leak resistant
can be closed, puncture resistant
properly labeled of hazardous waste inside