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Epi EZ Pen, Epipen Auto Injector, Epipen JR Auto-Injector, |epinephrine injection

epinephrine injection

Generic Name: epinephrine injection (eh pih NEH frin)
Brand Names: Epi EZ Pen, Epipen Auto Injector, Epipen JR Auto-Injector

What is epinephrine injection?

Epinephrine is a chemical which narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. This counteracts severe low blood pressure and wheezing. Epinephrine also relieves itching and hives.

Epinephrine injection is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens as well as exercise-induced (idiopathic) anaphylaxis. Epinephrine auto-injectors such as EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. are intended for immediate self-administration by a person with a history of an anaphylactic reaction.

Epinephrine injection may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine injection?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epinephrine injection?

Before an emergency occurs, talk to your doctor about using epinephrine injection if you

• have heart disease or high blood pressure;

• take medicines to treat a heart condition;

• have diabetes; or

• have thyroid problems.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I use epinephrine injection?

Use epinephrine injection exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.

The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. auto-injectors are disposable delivery systems that have a spring activated, concealed needle. Read the instructions included in each package immediately so you are familiar with them before a emergency occurs.

To use an epinephrine auto-injector:

• Form a fist around the auto-injector with the black tip pointing down. Pull off the gray safety cap. Once the safety cap is removed, the auto-injector is ready for use and can be activated.

• Place the black tip against your outer thigh. Do not inject epinephrine into a vein or the buttocks. Inject it only into the fleshy outer portion of the thigh. It is not necessary to remove your clothing first, the EpiPen auto-injector is designed to work through clothing. Do not put your thumb over the end of the unit.

• With a quick motion, push the auto-injector firmly against your thigh. This will release a spring-activated mechanism that injects a dose of epinephrine. Hold the auto-injector in place for a few seconds after activation.

• Remove the auto-injector from your thigh. Carefully re-insert the used auto-injector - needle first - into the amber carrying tube. Re-cap the amber tube and take it with you to the emergency room so that the doctor will know that you have had a shot of epinephrine and what amount you received.

• Each auto-injector delivers a single dose of epinephrine. Even though a small amount of liquid remains inside, the unit cannot be used again.

With severe reactions, repeat injections may be necessary. Follow your doctor"s instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since epinephrine injection is used to treat allergic reactions, missing a dose is not a problem. Use only the dose or doses you need according to your doctor"s instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an epinephrine overdose include an increased and irregular heart beat, a more forceful heartbeat, a severe, throbbing headache, and stroke.

What should I avoid while using epinephrine ?

Epinephrine side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention:

• very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or flushed skin); or

• greatly increased difficulty in breathing.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur and may include:

• fast or irregular heat beats;

• sweating;

• nausea and vomiting;

• pale skin;

• dizziness;

• weakness or muscle tremors;

• headache; and

• apprehension, nervousness, and anxiety.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect epinephrine?

Before an emergency occurs, talk to your doctor about using epinephrine injection if you are taking any of the following medications:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps, Cardoxin, others);

• quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinidex, others);

• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), and others; or

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with epinephrine injection. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about epinephrine injection written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Epinephrine injection is available with a prescription generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• EpiPen Auto-Injector - 0.3 mg of 1:1,000 epinephrine

• EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injector - 0.15 mg of 1:2,000 epinephrine

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.