What is an EpiPen Auto-Injector?
(EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. and Allerex are registered trademarks.)
The EpiPen Auto-Injector is a disposable drug delivery system with a spring-activated, concealed needle. It is designed for emergency administration to provide rapid, convenient first-aid for individuals sensitive to potentially fatal allergic reactions. (Editor's note: It is compact and easily carried in pockets, purses or fanny packs. It is pre-assembled, filled and ready for immediate use. The tiny, concealed spring-activated needle penetrates the skin once the syringe is activated.)

What is the active ingredient?
The active ingredient is epinephrine. Injection of epinephine is the treatment of choice for allergic emergencies (anaphylactic reactions) because it quickly constricts blood vessels, relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulates the heartbeat, and works to reverse hives and swelling around the face and lips (angioedema). (Editor's note: It is used for exposure to insect bites and stings, food or drug reactions, and exercise-induced anaphylaxis. It may be prescribed for people with certain respiratory (asthma) disorders that, at times, may need immediate treatment.)

Why might I need an EpiPen Auto-Injector?
The EpiPen is commonly prescribed for individuals who have had prior severe allergic reactions to certain foods such as nuts, shellfish, or eggs, etc., or certain food additives; to drugs such as penicillin; to insect stings by bees, hornets, yellow jackets, etc.; or to exercise. Such an allergic reaction may be so severe as to be life-threatening and could occur when no physician or hospital is near. Expanded labelling indicates use of an EpiPen for temporary emergency treatment of severe life-threatening asthma attacks. With an EpiPen, an emergency injection of epinephrine can be immediately available.

How To Use An EpiPen Auto-Injector.

• 1. Pull off the gray safety cap.
• 2. Place the black tip on the outer thigh.
• 3. Push the EpiPen against the outer thigh until the Auto-Injector activates.
• 4. Hold the Auto-Injector in place for 5 to10 seconds.
• 5. Discard the entire EpiPen properly after use.
• 6. Seek emergency help immediately, call 911 after using an EpiPen . The effects from this medication may wear off in 10-20 minutes.

After using the EpiPen, most people experience side effects; trembling, palpitations (heart beating fast), and a feeling of tension or anxiousness. These are normal effects of the adrenaline and soon wear off.

Pushing the EpiPen against the thigh releases a spring activated plunger, pushing the concealed needle into the thigh muscle and expelling a dose of epinephrine.

Does the EpiPen come in different strengths?
Yes, EpiPens come in two strengths:

• Adults-use EpiPen (Yellow label) with 0.3mg dose
• Young children up to 15kg (33 lbs)--use EpiPen Jr. (White label) with 0.15mg dose
• Both strengths deliver a single dose. Sometimes a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to completely reverse the effects of an anaphylactic reaction. For that reason, some physicians prescribe more than one auto-injector. Also, some patients like to keep one unit at home, one on their person, and one at their place of work to ensure that an EpiPen is available at all times.

Where can I obtain an EpiPen Auto-Injector?
See your physician first. The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. are available from most pharmacies. Complete directions for use included with every EpiPen Auto-Injector. If your doctor prescribes the EpiPen for you, periodically study the directions carefully so that you will be prepared for future emergencies.

Where should the EpiPen be placed for injection?
The EpiPen should simply be pushed against the fleshy outer portion of the thigh. There is no need for more precise placement. DO NOT ATTEMPT INJECTION INTO A VEIN OR INTO BUTTOCKS.

What will the I feel when I use an EpiPen Auto-Injector?
The injection itself is actually quite painless. Upon removing the EpiPen after injection, you will see a short needle. In most instances, the beneficial effects of the drug will be felt within seconds. The most common changes are a more rapid heart beat and a slight nervousness, "like a shot of adrenalin". Even though a residual amount of material remains within an EpiPen after use, the unit cannot be used again and should be properly discarded.

Can the EpiPen Auto-Injector be used through clothing?
Yes, if necessary. The preferred method is to remove your clothing from the site of injection. However, if this is too difficult or awkward, or if there is no time, the EpiPen may be used directly through your clothing.

Are there any special tips or precautions I should know?
The EpiPen Auto-Injector is quite durable, but like any instrument it can be damaged if mishandled.

• Remove the gray safety cap ONLY when you are ready to use the EpiPen, otherwise the unit could be activated prematurely.
• Never put your fingers over the black tip when removing the safety cap, or after the safety cap has been removed.
• Epinephrine is stable at room temperature until the marked expiration date. EpiPen should not be refrigerated; refrigeration for extended periods may cause the unit to malfunction.
• The EpiPen Auto-Injector should not be exposed to extreme heat, such as in the glove compartment of trunk of a car during the summer.
• Do not expose your auto-injector to direct sunlight; light and heat can cause epinephrineto oxidize and go bad, turning brown.
• Check contents of the cartridge periodically through the viewing window to make sure the solution is clear and colourless. If the solution appears brown, replace the unit immediately.
• Always replace your EpiPen with a new unit prior to the expiration date.

After using an EpiPen Auto-Injector, what else must I do?
The EpiPen Auto-Injector is intended for emergency use only. After use, you should try to get further medical help immediately, call 911 and tell them "anaphylactic reaction". At the same time, try to keep the patient warm and avoid unnecessary exertion. The effects of the injection begin to wear off after 10 to 20 minutes, therefore it is important that you should seek further medical assistance. Make certain you tell the health professionals that you have given an injection of epinephrine.

WARNING
Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. If there is an accidental injection into these areas, go immediately to the nearest emergency room for treatment. EpiPen should ONLY be injected into the outer thigh as explained above.