When to Use Your EpiPen^® Auto-Injector

Make sure you speak with your health care professional about how to identify the signs and symptoms of an allergic emergency.  If you, your child or someone you're caring for shows signs or symptoms of an allergic emergency, inject the health care professional-prescribed EpiPen or EpiPen Jr. immediately, then promptly call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Signs of an allergic emergency may include:

• Closing of your breathing airways
• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Hoarseness
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the lips, tongue
• Numbness or tingling of the lips or tongue
• Skin redness
• Fast heartbeat
• Weak pulse
• Feeling very anxious
• Confusion
• Stomach pain
• Losing control of urine or bowel movements (incontinence)
• Faintness or "passing out" (unconsciousness)

Don’t be afraid to use the EpiPen Auto-Injector during an allergic emergency. Using it at the start of such an emergency may prevent the reaction from becoming worse. Remember, the EpiPen Auto-Injector is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment.

There are no absolute contraindications to using EpiPen Auto-Injectors in a life-threatening severe allergic reaction. People with certain medical conditions have a higher chance of having serious side effects from EpiPen Auto-Injector. The EpiPen Auto-Injector should be used with caution if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid conditions or diabetes, or if you are pregnant or take medicines that can cause heart-related symptoms. These conditions should be discussed with your health care professional.