What to expect from patients

In the event an individual experiences anaphylaxis, it is recommended that patients inject EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) or EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector or their authorized generics immediately and seek emergency medical attention.1-3 The Patient Information for EpiPen® Auto-Injector(and its authorized generic) recommends that patients take the used Auto-Injector with them to the emergency room for inspection and disposal.1,2 Patients are then instructed to ask for a new prescription and EpiPen® Auto-Injector replacement, if needed.1,2

The continuum of anaphylaxis

The progression of anaphylaxis is not absolute.7 The signs and symptoms can arise within minutes of exposure to an allergen, but can also develop 30 minutes or more after exposure.3,7 Moreover, symptoms that do not initially appear to be life-threatening may progress rapidly unless proper treatment is given.3,7 In some cases, a second allergic reaction occurs 1 to 72 hours (usually within 8 hours) after initial recovery despite no further exposure to the trigger.3,7,8 This is known as a biphasic reaction, and it can occur in up to 20% of all anaphylactic reactions.3,8 Because biphasic reactions are unpredictable (even while administering immunotherapy), it is important that observation periods in the office be individualized for each patient.4,7

Guidelines from the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH-NIAID) recommend that patients who were seen in the emergency department for anaphylaxis be discharged with a prescription for epinephrine so that they have access to two doses of epinephrine at all times.5,6

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There’s only one recommended first line treatment for anaphylaxis.

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More Important Safety Information (the following information applies to both Epipen and its Authorized Generic)

EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only and are not intended as a substitute for immediate medical or hospital care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision.

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® should only be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Do not inject intravenously, into buttock, or into digits, hands, or feet. Instruct caregivers to hold the leg of young children firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection to minimize risk of injection-related injury.

Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections have been reported following epinephrine injection. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop symptoms of infection such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site.

Epinephrine should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, and in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, because it may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris and produce ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac disease or taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics, or anti-arrhythmics.

Patients with certain medical conditions or who take certain medications for allergies, depression, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and hypertension, may be at greater risk for adverse reactions. Common adverse reactions to epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and/or respiratory difficulties.

Indications (the following information applies to both Epipen and its Authorized Generic)

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injectors are indicated in the emergency treatment of Type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to allergens, idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and in patients with a history or increased risk of anaphylactic reactions. Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to body weight.

Click here for Full Prescribing Information for EpiPen.
Click here for Full Prescribing Information for the Authorized Generic for EpiPen

References

  1. EpiPen [prescribing & patient information]. Morgantown, WV: Mylan Specialty LP; 12/2020.
  2. Epinephrine Injection, USP [prescribing & patient information]. Morgantown, WV: Mylan Specialty LP; 12/2020.
  3. Simons FE. Anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;125(2)(suppl 2):S161-S181.
  4. Simons FE, Ardusso LR, Bilὸ MB, et al; World Allergy Organization. World Allergy Organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organ J. 2011;4(2):13-37.
  5. Boyce JA, Assa’ad A, Burks AW, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: report of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(6)(suppl):S1-S58.
  6. Dinakar C. Anaphylaxis in children: current understanding and key issues in diagnosis and treatment. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2012;12(6):641-649.
  7. Lieberman P, Nicklas RA, Randolph C, et al. Anaphylaxis—a practice parameter update 2015. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015;115(5):341-384.
  8. Sampson HA, Muñoz-Furlong A, Campbell RL, et al. Second symposium on the definition and management of anaphylaxis: summary report—second National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network symposium. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117(2):391-397.
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