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Honeybees, yellow jackets and stinging ants…oh my!

Most people stung or bitten by an insect may experience swelling, pain and redness that may persist for up to a week and usually gets better without treatment. However, some individuals can develop a potentially life-threatening (severe) allergy to insect stings or bites—even after being stung or bitten several times before without a problem.

If you have a stinging or biting insect allergy, consider taking these precautions:

  • When you go outside, avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or using sweet-smelling lotions, perfumes and shampoos
  • Always wear shoes
  • If you’re eating, keep your food and trash tightly sealed
  • If your activity might expose you to insects or their nests (gardening or hiking, for instance), wear pants and long-sleeved shirts

Avoid what you can.

Although you try, not all stings and bites can be avoided, so those with potentially life-threatening allergies to bee venom, wasp venom or fire ant venom should have access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EPIPEN® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector or its authorized generic, particularly when outdoors.

Treating insect allergies

People with insect allergies can be treated with standardized insect injections (immunotherapy), which may provide long-term protection against insect stings. However, not everyone treated this way remains tolerant to insect stings or bites for life. You may still need to carry EPIPEN 2-PAK® or EPIPEN JR 2-PAK® (or their authorized generics).

In case of anaphylaxis triggered by insect bites or stings, administer EPIPEN or EPIPEN JR® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector or their authorized generics immediately and seek emergency medical care.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (the following information applies to both EPIPEN and its Authorized Generic)

Use EPIPEN (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg or EPIPEN JR (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors right away when you have an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis). Get emergency medical help right away. You may need further medical attention. Only a healthcare professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than two injections for a single anaphylactic episode. EPIPEN or EPIPEN JR should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet. Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (the following information applies to both EPIPEN and its Authorized Generic)

Use EPIPEN (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg or EPIPEN JR (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors right away when you have an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis). Get emergency medical help right away. You may need further medical attention. Only a healthcare professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than two injections for a single anaphylactic episode. EPIPEN or EPIPEN JR should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet. Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment.

Rarely, patients who have used EPIPEN or EPIPEN JR may develop an infection at the injection site within a few days. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have any of the following at an injection site: redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or the area feels warm to the touch.

Tell your healthcare professional about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have asthma, a history of depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, 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 healthcare professional 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 use EPIPEN or EPIPEN JR.

Common side effects include fast, irregular or “pounding” heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting, breathing problems, paleness, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, headache, feelings of over excitement, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly if you lie down and rest. Tell your healthcare professional if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

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

EPIPEN and EPIPEN JR  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 administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical help right away.


Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for EPIPEN.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for the Authorized Generic for EPIPEN.

For additional information please contact us at 800-796-9526.

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.

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