The EpiPen is an epinephrine auto-injector which is used to treat a severe allergic reaction known as "anaphylaxis". This reaction is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency that must be treated before calling for help. Epinephrine is a synthetic version of adrenaline that is released naturally by the body; a single dose, when administered correctly, carries an extremely limited risk. Timely and appropriate use of the EpiPen can save a person's life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Step 1. Identify the symptoms
Anaphylactic shock can be triggered when a person is accidentally exposed to known allergens or upon first contact with allergenic substances. It is also possible to become sensitive to a substance, i.e. develop an allergy to an element that previously did not cause adverse reactions. In some cases, the reaction can be so severe that it is life threatening. Look out for the following symptoms:
- Redness of the skin;
- Skin rashes on the body
- Swelling of the throat and mouth
- Difficulty swallowing and speaking
- Severe asthma
- Abdominal pain;
- Nausea and vomit;
- Drop in blood pressure
- Fainting and loss of consciousness
- Confusional state, dizziness or a "sense of impending doom".
Step 2. Ask the victim if they need help using the EpiPen
Anaphylaxis is considered an emergency that requires prompt intervention. If the person knows they need an injection, they can instruct you so you can help them adequately. The instructions for use of the EpiPen are printed on one side of the device itself.
Step 3. Call the emergency services
Even when epinephrine / adrenaline is used, it is extremely important to get professional help as soon as possible.
- Always keep your country's emergency number in the phone book. In Italy the number to call the emergency health services is 118; in the United States it is 911, in the United Kingdom it is 999, while in Australia it is represented by the triple zero: 000 (just to name a few).
- Before anything else, tell the telephone operator your geographic location, so that help can be sent immediately.
- Also describe the patient's status and the severity of the situation.
Step 4. Check if the victim has a necklace or bracelet identifying their condition
If you suspect a person is having anaphylactic shock, you need to check to see if they carry a label describing the problem. People with severe allergies generally carry such a device in case of an accident.
- These necklaces or bracelets describe the condition in detail and provide additional information about the patient's health.
- Such devices typically carry a red cross or other easily recognizable identification markings.
- If you suffer from severe allergies, always carry the instructions with you with the EpiPen; that way, if you lose consciousness and some other person can give you the drug, they know how to proceed.
- Do not give epinephrine to people suffering from heart ailments, unless specifically directed by a doctor's prescription.
Part 2 of 3: Using the EpiPen
Step 1. Hold the Epipen firmly in the center by closing your hand into a fist
Do not touch the ends of the device in any way to avoid accidentally activating it. The Epipen is a disposable accessory, once the mechanism is triggered, it can no longer be used again.
- Do not put your fingers on its extremities, as this may trigger the device and release the drug.
- Remove the blue cap that activates the medicine (on the opposite side to the orange one that contains the needle).
Step 2. Inject the substance into the central area of the outer thigh
Place the orange tip on the thigh and press firmly; you should hear a "click" as the needle enters the skin.
- Hold for a few seconds.
- Do not inject the drug into any other area of the body other than the thigh. If you accidentally put in intravenous adrenaline, you could result in death.
Step 3. Remove the device
Remove it and massage the area where you injected the medicine for 10 seconds.
Check the tip. The orange lid should automatically hide the needle once the Epipen is pulled out of the thigh
Step 4. Be prepared for possible side effects
When epinephrine is given to an individual, he may experience panic or paranoia attacks, the body may begin to fidget and shake uncontrollably. Know that Not it is convulsions.
The tremors subside within minutes or hours. Don't panic, try to stay calm and reassure the victim; your peace of mind helps her not to fidget
Step 5. Go to the hospital immediately
20% of acute cases of anaphylaxis are quickly followed by another crisis, called biphasic anaphylaxis. Once a dose of epinephrine has been given or received, medical attention should be sought without further delay.
- The second seizure could be mild or severe, and if left untreated it can be fatal.
- The second phase of anaphylaxis occurs when patients appear to be on the road to recovery; for this reason it is essential to go to the emergency room, even when the victim feels well.
Part 3 of 3: Provide Proper Maintenance of Epipen
Step 1. Store the auto-injector in its case until you need to use it
The tubular packaging protects the EpiPen so that you can use it safely in case of need. Leave the safety lock in place until you need to give an injection.
Step 2. Look at the inspection window
Most devices have a "window" that allows you to see the medicine inside the package: the medicine should be completely transparent. If the epinephrine is cloudy or dark, it means it has lost its effectiveness due to exposure to extreme temperatures. This phenomenon can happen anytime before the expiration date. Depending on the temperatures at which it has been stored and for how long, the drug may have lost much or all of its effectiveness.
In an emergency, you can also use cloudy epinephrine, but you should replace the injector as soon as you realize the medication is bad
Step 3. Store the EpiPen at the correct temperature
You should store the auto-injector at a temperature between 15 and 30 ° C; the ideal would be to keep it at room temperature.
- Do not put it in the refrigerator.
- Do not expose it to extreme heat or cold.
Step 4. Check the expiration date
The EpiPen has a limited life and should be replaced when the expiration date is approaching. The expired drug may not be able to save the life of an anaphylaxis victim.
- If you don't have anything else available, use the expired EpiPen. Wasted epinephrine loses its effectiveness, but it does not turn into a dangerous substance and is always better than nothing.
- Once the device is used, you should dispose of it safely; to do this, take it to the pharmacy.
Warnings
- Your doctor or nurse should show you how to use the EpiPen when prescribed.
- Use the epinephrine auto-injector only on the rightful owner of the device.
