How do you use an EpiPen step by step?
Administer
- Place the orange tip on your thigh. Next, aim for the middle of the outer thigh, holding it at a right angle to the thigh.
- Swing the pen back about 6 inches and firmly push it against your thigh.
- Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds.
- Remove the EpiPen from your thigh.
- Massage the injection site.
Are there instructions on an EpiPen?
Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it “clicks.” The click signals that the injection has started. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3).
Do you hold the EpiPen for 10 seconds?
All EpiPen®s should now be held in place for 3 seconds, regardless of the instructions on the label. However, if they are held for 10 seconds it will not affect the way that the adrenaline works.
How many seconds do you apply an EpiPen for?
How many seconds should I hold EpiPen® in place when I inject? Hold EpiPen® firmly in place for three seconds (count slowly, “1, 2, 3”). This helps to properly deliver your dose of epinephrine.
How long do you hold EpiPen in thigh?
Push the needle end (orange end of the autoinjector) firmly against the outer thigh until it “clicks”. This signals that the injection has started. The autoinjector needs to stay in place for a minimum of 3 seconds following activation.
Why does an EpiPen have to be injected in the thigh?
This fast uptake of epinephrine is critical in the treatment of anaphylaxis. As opposed to the upper arm, the thigh muscle is one of the body’s largest muscles with more blood supply, so it allows much faster absorption of the medication.
What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it?
Unintentional injection of epinephrine can easily occur when handling epinephrine auto-injectors. If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. This can decrease blood flow to the area.
What to do after administering EpiPen?
Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen.
How long do you hold an EpiPen in the thigh?
Do you massage the site after epinephrine injection?
Massage the injection area for 10 seconds. You may need further medical attention. If symptoms continue or recur, you may need to use a second EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector.
What happens if you inject an EpiPen in your finger?
If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. This can decrease blood flow to the area. Less blood flow means that less oxygen is getting to the tissue. This could cause a serious injury in rare circumstances.
How long should you hold an EpiPen in place?
Do EpiPens need to be refrigerated?
Adrenaline (epinephrine) injectors (e.g. EpiPen® or Anapen®)should be stored: In a cool dark place at room temperature, between 15-25°C, but not refrigerated, as temperatures below 15°C may damage the injector mechanism.
How long does it take for an EpiPen to work?
Dr. Brown generally recommends between 5 and 15 minutes as a reasonable timeframe between doses to determine if the epinephrine has taken effect.
Do I need to go to ER after EpiPen?
You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments.
What happens if you inject an EpiPen without an allergic reaction?
Why are Epipens injected into the thigh?
As opposed to the upper arm, the thigh muscle is one of the body’s largest muscles with more blood supply, so it allows much faster absorption of the medication. The outer thigh, versus the front of the thigh, is recommended because it provides a skin area with thinner tissue and less fat.
What happens if you give EpiPen when not needed?
Unintentional injection of epinephrine into fingers or hands can cause limited blood flow and injury. It sometimes requires a trip to the emergency room.
What happens if you use an EpiPen when you don’t need it?
An accidental intravenous injection (which is very rare and would be fairly difficult to do on accident), is especially dangerous and can lead to hypertension and/or heart problems.
Do you massage after EpiPen?
Remove the EpiPen from your leg and massage the injection site with your other hand for 10 seconds. Carefully put the used EpiPen, orange end first, into the carrying case. (Note that the lid will not close.) Avoid putting your thumb, fingers, or hand over the orange tip.
Can you use an expired EpiPen in an emergency?
Can you use an expired EpiPen? The safest answer is no, you should not use an expired EpiPen. You also shouldn’t use an EpiPen if the liquid appears cloudy or discolored.
Should you go to the hospital after using an EpiPen?
What are two signs of anaphylaxis?
The symptoms include:
- feeling lightheaded or faint.
- breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing.
- wheezing.
- a fast heartbeat.
- clammy skin.
- confusion and anxiety.
- collapsing or losing consciousness.
What are the 4 signs of a severe allergic reaction?
Signs include trouble breathing, pale or blue skin, hives, itching, vomiting, or anxiety. Symptoms can start within just a few minutes after you come in contact with the cause.
What happens if you use an EpiPen by accident?
An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling.