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When to Use Your EpiPen

When to Use Your EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector

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

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • 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 a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Using it at the start of such a life-threatening allergic reaction 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 allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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.

 

 

Important Safety Information

EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEIN, BUTTOCK, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you take the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto Injector.

The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest.

Talk to your health care professional to see if EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is right for you.

Indications

EpiPen® (epinephrine) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional information please contact us at 800-395-3376.