Treats a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in an emergency situation.
Brand Names:
Epipen Auto-Injector, Epipen 2-Pak Auto-Injector, Epipen Jr 2-Pak Auto-Injector, Epipen Jr Auto-Injector
Contraindications:
There is no reason not to use this medicine in a person who is having a severe allergic reaction, because anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.
Uses:
Injectable
This medicine is prescribed for people who have a history of severe allergic reaction to insect bites, foods, drugs, or other allergens, as well as exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
When your doctor first prescribes this medicine, you will be taught how and where to inject it in case of a severe allergic reaction.
This medicine comes in an auto-injector syringe and needle kit that contains the correct dose of medicine your doctor has prescribed for you.
It may be necessary to use more than one injection in the case of a persistent reaction.
This medicine is NEVER to be injected into a vein or into the muscles of your buttocks. Inject epinephrine ONLY into the muscle on the outside of your thigh.
Carry this medicine with you at all times for emergency use in case you have a severe allergic reaction.
Make sure family members or other companions know how to inject the medicine in case you are unable to do it yourself during an allergic reaction.
Storage:
Check your injection kits regularly to make sure the liquid has not changed color. You should not use the auto-injector if the liquid has changed color, or if the expiration date has passed.
Store the injection kits in a dark place at room temperature, away from hot or cold temperatures.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone..
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), quinidine, an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Nardil® or Parnate®), or a tricyclic antidepressant (such as Elavil®).
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid before you use this medicine.
Side effects from this medicine may be more likely to occur in older adults and in children. However, the allergic reaction could be life-threatening and should be treated even at the risk of side effects.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel better after using epinephrine.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
