How to Use EPIPEN

Learn How to Use the EPIPEN Auto-Injector

When you get your EPIPEN from the pharmacy, check to make sure the blue safety top is not raised.

  • If the blue safety top is raised, the auto-injector should not be used because the device could activate by accident. Do not try to push the blue safety top back down. Put the auto-injector back in the protective case and replace it with a new one.
  • Examine the liquid in the medicine viewing window of your EPIPEN. Do not use the medicine if it is a pinkish or brown color or if the medicine has solid pieces floating in it.
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1Prepare

Remove the auto-injector from the protective case.

  • Flip open the yellow cap of your EPIPEN or the green cap of your EPIPEN JR protective case. Tip and slide the auto-injector out of the protective case.

Hold the auto-injector with one hand and with the orange end pointing downward.

  • BLUE TO THE SKY, ORANGE TO THE THIGH™
  • EPIPEN should only be injected into the outer thigh.
  • Do not inject into veins, buttocks, hands, or feet.

With your other hand, remove the blue safety top by pulling straight up and away.

  • Do not flip the blue safety top off using a thumb or by pulling it sideways or bending and twisting. This may cause the device to accidentally activate.
  • The blue safety top is a small part that may become a choking hazard for children; therefore, it should be thrown away immediately after use.

NEVER-SEE-NEEDLE® helps protect against needle exposure before and after use.

NOTE:

  • The needle comes out of the orange end.
  • To avoid an accidental injection, never put your thumb, fingers or hand over the orange end. If an accidental injection happens, get emergency medical help right away.
  • A device that has been activated by accident cannot be used for a patient in an emergency.

2Administer

If you are administering to a young child, hold the leg firmly in place while administering an injection.

  • Place the orange end against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg). Push the auto-injector firmly (through clothing, if necessary) until you hear a “pop” sound. The “pop” sound signals that the injection has started.
  • Push down hard against the leg and hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly).
  • Lift the auto-injector straight out from the thigh. The orange end will extend to cover the needle. If the needle is still visible, do not reuse it.

3Get Emergency Medical Help Right Away

  • After injecting EPIPEN, get emergency medical help right away. You can use a second auto-injector if symptoms continue or come back. Take your used auto-injector to your healthcare provider.

Always carry 2 EPIPEN or 2 EPIPEN JR Auto-Injectors with you because sometimes a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to treat a serious allergic reaction before seeking medical care.

Safety Considerations

  • Use EPIPEN with caution if you have a heart condition or are on medicines that affect the heart.
  • People with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or those taking certain allergy, depression, or blood pressure medications may face higher risks of side effects.
  • Common side effects include anxiety, tremors, dizziness, sweating, nausea, headache, and breathing issues.

Storing Your EPIPEN Auto-Injectors

  • Store EPIPEN at room temperature between 68° F to 77° F (20° C to 25° C).
  • Keep protective case in the outer carton to protect from light. When exposed to air or light, epinephrine changes quickly to a pinkish or brown color and should not be used.
  • Do not expose to extreme cold or heat. For example, do not store in your vehicle’s glove box or trunk. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Always keep your 2 EPIPEN or 2 EPIPEN JR Auto-Injector in the protective cases to prevent damage to the device. The protective case is not waterproof.
  • If you use Epinephrine Injection, USP, follow the same storage instructions.

Check the expiration dates on your EPIPEN Auto-Injectors and refill your prescription before the devices expire.