EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR - INJECTION

EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ep-in-EFF-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Auvi-Q, Epipen, Twinject

GENERIC NAME(S): epinephrine

Uses

USES: This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.


How to use EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Keep this product near you at all times. (See also Storage section). Different brands of this medication have different directions for preparing and using the injector. Learn how to properly inject this medication in advance so you will be prepared when you actually need to use it. Also teach a family member or caregiver what to do if you cannot inject the medication yourself. For infants and children, make sure to hold their leg in place before and during the injection of the medication to prevent injuries from occurring. Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you have to use epinephrine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. The effects of this medication are rapid but not long-lasting. After injecting epinephrine, get medical help right away. Tell the healthcare professional that you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine. Avoid injecting this medication into your hands, feet, buttocks, or areas of your body other than the thigh. If this occurs, tell the healthcare professional right away. Discard the injector properly. The solution in this product should be clear. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration from time to time. If it has turned cloudy or pink/brown in color, do not use the product. Obtain a new supply.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or pale skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: irregular heartbeat, signs of infection at the injection site (such as redness that doesn't go away, warmth, swelling, or pain). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, fainting, vision changes, seizures, confusion. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This product may contain sulfites. However, if you have a sulfite allergy, this should not be a reason for avoiding use of this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can be life-saving, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems you may experience. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart conditions (e.g., coronary artery disease, arrhythmias), high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially a rapid rise in blood pressure, with increased risk if they also have heart disease. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: anti-arrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), digoxin, entacapone, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, confusion, seizures.

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Faq for EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR - INJECTION

An epinephrine auto-injector is a device used to treat severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. It delivers a single dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) to the body quickly and easily.

Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial for individuals with known severe allergies, as it can be a life-saving tool in case of an allergic reaction. It helps to quickly reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis until medical help arrives.

Anyone with a known severe allergy, especially those who have experienced anaphylaxis in the past, should carry an epinephrine auto-injector. This includes individuals with allergies to food, insect stings, medications, or latex.

To use an epinephrine auto-injector, remove the safety cap, firmly press the auto-injector against the outer thigh, and hold it in place for a few seconds. Afterward, seek immediate medical attention. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your auto-injector.

Yes, if someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction and is unable to use their own epinephrine auto-injector, it is safe and appropriate to administer it on their behalf. However, always call emergency services and inform healthcare professionals afterwards.

The effects of an epinephrine auto-injector typically last for about 10-20 minutes. However, it varies from person to person, and additional doses or medical assistance may be required.

No, an epinephrine auto-injector is designed for single-use only. After use, it should be discarded following the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional.

While rare, some common side effects of using an epinephrine auto-injector may include increased heart rate, palpitations, nervousness, headache, and nausea. These side effects usually subside quickly. It is important to seek medical attention after using the device.

Yes, epinephrine auto-injectors have an expiration date printed on them. It is crucial to regularly check and replace them before they expire to ensure their effectiveness in case of an emergency.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.