Be Prepared

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, people who have experienced symptoms of anaphylaxis previously are at risk for subsequent reactions and should carry an epinephrine injector with them at all times.¹ The EpiPen^® auto-injector offers a premeasured dose of epinephrine for self-administration that is simple to use (a push-activated, automatic injection) and is easily carried in a pocket or purse. 

In addition to carrying epinephrine, people with life-threatening allergies should also make sure that it is readily available in their homes, offices, schools, or anywhere else they spend a lot of time. Parents of children with life-threatening allergies should make sure that their children's teachers and caregivers have an EpiPen^® auto-injector on hand and know how to administer it.

Side effects may include an increase in heart rate, a 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. If you have high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid, these side effects may be more severe or longer lasting. If you have heart disease, you could experience chest pain (angina). If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may increase after use. If you have Parkinson’s disease, your symptoms may temporarily get worse.

Additionally, patients should ask their physicians whether antihistamines should be carried in addition to epinephrine. Wearing a medical identification bracelet indicating the patient's allergies and susceptibility to anaphylaxis can help ensure prompt, proper treatment during an emergency.

Reference

1. AAAAI. The use of epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis. Position statement #26. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org.

Indications

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injectors (0.3 and 0.15 mg epinephrine) are for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for patients who are at increased risk for these reactions.

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors are designed for you to use immediately in an emergency, to treat an allergic reaction fast and give you time to get to a hospital or medical center. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors are not a substitute for emergency medical treatment.

Important Safety Information

Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains a single dose of a medicine called epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR BUTTOCK, as this may not be effective for a severe allergic reaction. 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.

Side effects may include an increase in heart rate, a 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. If you have high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid, these side effects may be more severe or longer lasting. If you have heart disease, you could experience chest pain (angina). If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may increase after use. If you have Parkinson's disease, your symptoms may temporarily get worse.

Talk to your healthcare professional to find out if you should be prescribed an EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector.

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