Imagine that you ate a certain food at a party and your whole body started to itch and you had difficulty breathing, or you were walking in the garden and a wasp or a wasp stung you and your face and lips suddenly swelled and your body turned blue... Today we are going to talk about a special injection that can help save your life in the event of a sudden, life-threatening severe allergy (Anaphylaxis). This is called the Epinephrine Auto-Injector.
What is this Epinephrine Auto-Injector?
Simply put, this is a life-saving device used to treat severe allergic reactions, or what we medically call anaphylaxis . It is sometimes also used in cases of sudden asthma attacks.
An allergy is when our body's immune system overreacts to something. Then the airways swell and we can't breathe, our blood pressure drops suddenly, and our face and lips swell. This injection quickly reduces the effects of that severe reaction. That is, it reduces swelling, relieves difficulty breathing, and helps bring blood pressure back to normal.
Most importantly: After using this injection, even if your symptoms subside, it is imperative to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. This is not a complete cure, but only a life-saving bridge until you get to the hospital. You may need further treatment.
This medication can come under different brand names, such as EpiPen and Auvi-Q.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving you this injection, your doctor should be aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Any type of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Thyroid disease
- Specific medical conditions such as pheochromocytoma
- If you have previously had an unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine or other medications, foods, or preservatives
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
How exactly do you use this?
This injection is given into the outer thigh muscle. It comes in the form of an auto-injector pen, making it very easy to use even in an emergency.
When you are prescribed this medicine, your doctor or a trained nurse will clearly show you how to use it and show you how to use it. Remember these instructions carefully. Read the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that come with this device carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor again.
What do you do with used needles?
This is very important. Never throw used injection equipment (with needles) in the trash. They should be placed in a special, thick plastic container (sharps container) that can be removed. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
Use for children
This medication is also prescribed for children. However, there are special doses (like EpiPen Jr.) and precautions to take. So if your child is prescribed this, talk to a pediatrician about it to get the exact details.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is an emergency medicine, so this is not usually the case. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed in any way, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with Epinephrine. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal remedies, even vitamins).
Below are some medications that may cause problems.
| Medications that may cause problems | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to avoid at all costs | Types of general anesthetics used for surgery. For example: desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane. |
| Other medications that may interact |
|
This is not a complete list, so for your safety, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, epinephrine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Possible side effects of using epinephrine | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
|
How do you keep this safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (e.g., the dashboard of a vehicle).
- Always check the expiration date. Get a new one before the date expires. Expired epinephrine may be less effective.
- Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications.
Take-Home Message
- An Epinephrine Auto-Injector is an emergency, life-saving treatment for severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
- If you have been prescribed this, keep it with you at all times. Take it with you to school, work, or wherever you travel.
- Don't wait until an emergency occurs, learn and practice how to use it well in advance. Teach it to your family as well.
- After using the injection, it is imperative to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately, even if the symptoms subside.
- Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Always check the expiration date on your auto-injector and get a new one before it expires.
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