About EpiPenŽ Auto-Injector

Common Questions and Answers

It can be frightening to suddenly find yourself short of breath or breaking into a rash after eating a certain food or being stung by a bee. Having your EPIPEN Auto-Injector by your side is important for helping you be prepared in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. Another way to prepare yourself is having answers to your questions in advance. The more you know about anaphylaxis, the better prepared you will be in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Severe Allergies and Anaphylaxis

What is anaphylaxis?

  • Anaphylaxis (a-na-fi-LAX-is) is a severe allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings, some medicines, latex, and even exercise. During an anaphylactic reaction, your tongue or throat may swell up quickly and make breathing difficult.

What are the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction?

  • An anaphylactic reaction is usually characterized by one or more of these symptoms: 
    • Hives
    • Metallic taste or tingling in the mouth 
    • Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat 
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing 
    • Stomach cramps  
    • Vomiting or diarrhea 
    • Rash or itchy skin 
    • Coughing or wheezing 
    • Fainting or passing out
    • Increased heart rate 
    • Dizziness or sudden weakness

Are many people at risk for a severe allergic reaction?

  • Approximately 40 million people in the United States–nearly one in seven–have allergies that are, or could become, severe enough to put them at increased risk for anaphylaxis.

If I had a severe allergic reaction before, can I have another one – or have I built up a tolerance to the allergen?

  • If you had a previous severe allergic reaction, you are at higher risk for another severe or possibly life-threatening allergic reaction. You may also be at increased risk for anaphylaxis if you have severe allergies and/or uncontrolled asthma.

How common are food allergies? What are other common causes of severe allergic reactions?

  • About 4% of all Americans have some type of food allergy. In addition to foods, the venom from bees, wasps, fire ants, and other stinging and biting insects can also trigger a severe allergic reaction. Because triggers are all around, avoiding them is difficult. That is why it is important to stay prepared.

What foods often cause severe allergic reactions?

  • Peanuts cause most food-related severe allergic reactions. In fact, peanuts or tree nuts are tied to most fatal food-allergy reactions. Tree nuts include macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, and pecans. For infants and very young children, the most common food allergies are to cow's milk and eggs. In adults, the most common food allergen is seafood.

Your EPIPEN Auto-Injector

How should the EPIPEN Auto-Injector be used?

  • Once you are familiar with the EPIPEN Auto-Injector, giving yourself or someone in your care an epinephrine injection is really quite simple–and it can save a life. Here is what you need to do:  
    • Remove the EPIPEN Auto-Injector from the tube 
    • Take off the safety release cap 
    • Swing and firmly push the EPIPEN Auto-Injector into the outer thigh and hold it there for approximately 10 seconds (it will self-inject through clothing) 
    • Massage the injection area for 10 more seconds    
  • After the injection, call 911 or have someone take you to a hospital emergency room immediately.

Where is the best place to keep the EPIPEN Auto-Injector?

  • Keep your EPIPEN Auto-Injector at room temperature (25°C, 77°F) until the marked expiration date, at which point your unit should be replaced. EPIPEN Auto-Injector should not be refrigerated; refrigeration for extended periods may cause the unit to malfunction. Do not expose EPIPEN Auto-Injector to extreme heat, such as in the glove compartment or trunk of a car during the summertime. Do not expose your EPIPEN Auto-Injector to direct sunlight; light and heat can cause epinephrine to become less effective. The medication turns brown and shortens the usable life of the product. Be sure to refill your prescription for your EPIPEN Auto-Injector on or before the expiration date.
  • It is important to keep an EPIPEN Auto-Injector in a pocket, a purse, or some type of carrying bag that is with you or your child at all times. You may have other places for carrying an EPIPEN Auto-Injector that work for you–just be sure to have immediate access to the EPIPEN Auto-Injector at all times.

Where should a child keep an EPIPEN Auto-Injector while in school?

  • Children who are old enough may be allowed to carry an EPIPEN Auto-Injector in a backpack or unrefrigerated lunchbox. Or they may be asked to keep it in the school nurse's office. If you pack or carry any medications for someone with severe allergies, be sure that an EPIPEN Auto-Injector is always included.

Is there one EPIPEN Auto-Injector for everyone?

  • Each EPIPEN Auto-Injector contains a single dose of 0.3 mg of epinephrine, which is appropriate for people who weigh approximately 66 lb. or more. EPIPEN Jr contains 0.15 mg of epinephrine (half the regular dose) and is for children weighing from 33 to 66 lb.

Is one dose of epinephrine always enough?

  • Sometimes a single dose of epinephrine is not enough to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis, so healthcare professionals often prescribe more than one auto-injector. For your convenience, the EPIPEN and EPIPEN Jr Auto-Injectors are both available in 2-Paks to ensure that there is an extra dose available in case it is needed.

    EPIPEN and EPIPEN Jr Auto-Injectors are designed for you to use immediately in an emergency, to treat an allergic reaction fast and help 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. Always call 911 after you have administered an EPIPEN Auto-Injector.

What if I'm not able to give myself an injection?

  • It's important that you, a family member, or a caregiver be able to give you an injection with your EPIPEN Auto-Injector. Have your healthcare professional show you and someone close to you how to use it in case you cannot administer it yourself. In the event of an emergency, clear and simple directions on how to use an EPIPEN Auto-Injector are conveniently printed on the barrel of the auto-injector.  For further instructions please contact your Healthcare Professional.

Can I reuse the EPIPEN/EPIPEN Jr. Auto-Injector?

  • No, each EPIPEN Auto-Injector delivers a single dose of epinephrine. The Auto-Injector cannot be used again and should be taken to your healthcare professional for proper disposal.

Does the EPIPEN/EPIPEN Jr Auto-Injector come in different strengths?

  • Yes, epinephrine dosing is based on body weight. Your healthcare professional will prescribe the EPIPEN Auto-Injector that is right for you. The EPIPEN Auto-Injector (0.3 mg) is for individuals weighing approximately 66 lb. or more. The EPIPEN Jr Auto-Injector (0.15 mg) is for individuals weighing between 33 and 66 lb. Both strengths deliver a single dose. Sometimes a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to completely reverse the effects of an anaphylactic reaction. For that reason, your physician may prescribe more than one EPIPEN Auto-Injector. EPIPEN and EPIPEN Jr Auto-Injectors are available in single and 2-Pak cartons. The 2-Pak carton contains two EPIPEN Auto-Injectors plus a complimentary training pen.

Does the EPIPEN/EPIPEN Jr Auto-Injector expire and if so, what should I do when it expires?

  • As with any medication, EPIPEN Auto-Injector does have an expiration date, which is printed directly on the barrel of the auto-injector. When you first get your EPIPEN Auto-Injector, be sure to register it to get a FREE Refill Reminder. An enrollment form is included in each EPIPEN Auto-Injector package, or you can easily register your EPIPEN Auto-Injector online by joining the Center for Anaphylactic SupportTM (CAS) at www.EPIPEN.com/cas. We'll send you a Refill Reminder before your EPIPEN Auto-Injector expires so you'll have time to get a new prescription for an EPIPEN Auto-Injector.

Is the EPIPEN Auto-Injector carrying case waterproof?

  • No. The carrying case does not have a rubber seal; therefore, it is not waterproof. 

Can the EPIPEN Auto-Injector withstand heat or cold? 

  • The EPIPEN Auto-Injector, inside the carrying case, should be stored at room temperature (25°C, 77°F) and protected from light.

How can I be better prepared to give myself an injection?

  • Ask your healthcare professional about an EPIPEN Auto-Injector training pen. It will allow you to get comfortable holding the EPIPEN Auto-Injector and to practice using it. It will help you to be more confident in case you ever need to use the real one. The training pen does not contain medication or have a needle.

 

 

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Be prepared, because every second counts EpiPen® Auto-Injector is the #1 Prescribed epinephrine auto-injector for anaphylactic emergencies