Why is EpiPen important to knowing?

Knowing how to use an EpiPen is important. Doctors are seeing more and more children with allergies, especially food allergies. Due to the unpredictable nature of allergic reactions, epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) are prescribed. EpiPens deliver medicine quickly and effectively.

What is the purpose of using an EpiPen when someone is experiencing anaphylaxis?

An epinephrine auto-injector is a way to deliver medication quickly and effectively to someone who’s experiencing anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life threatening consequence of an allergic reaction. You may also see auto-injectors referred to as adrenaline auto-injectors.

What does it feel like to use an EpiPen?

“I’ve given myself an EpiPen just to see what it was like and it’s not a comfortable experience,” Montanaro said. “You feel totally uncontrolled, you feel anxious, and your heart races.” Once injected, epinephrine works quickly to raise blood pressure and open airways. However, one dose may not be enough for everyone.

How would you describe an EpiPen?

EpiPen is the brand name of an auto-injectable device that delivers the drug epinephrine. It is a life-saving medication used when someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis.

What happens if you use an EpiPen without needing it?

An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling.

What happens after EpiPen?

The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection. Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after they’re treated. However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. Sometimes they don’t improve hours or days later.

When should an EpiPen be used?

If you have been prescribed EpiPen®, you should carry it with you at all times… and use it immediately at the first signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. In a severe allergic emergency, quick symptom recognition and immediate treatment are vital.

What are the indications and contraindications for EpiPen use?

Who should not take EPIPEN?

• overactive thyroid gland.
• diabetes.
• a type of movement disorder called parkinsonism.
• closed angle glaucoma.
• high blood pressure.
• a heart attack.
• angina, a type of chest pain.
• coronary artery disease.

What is an EpiPen and what is it used for?

What Is an EpiPen and What Is It Used For? EpiPen is the brand name of an auto-injectable device that delivers the drug epinephrine. It is a life-saving medication used when someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. EpiPen is just one of the brand names of devices known generically as Epinephrine Auto-Injectors.

Is it dangerous to mix up an EpiPen and training pen?

Patients who keep an EpiPen on hand in case of a severe allergic attack need to know about a potentially dangerous mix-up between the actual pen and a similar looking training pen. EpiPen is an auto-injector that looks like a pen. It contains the medicine epinephrine (adrenalin) and has a needle at one end.

How many times can you use an EpiPen in NZ?

You must still call an ambulance (on 111) or be taken to hospital for observation, even if you feel much better. Each EpiPen contains a pre-measured dose of adrenaline and can only be used once. In New Zealand, there are two strengths of EpiPen which have different amounts of adrenaline.

How should I store my EpiPen?

Store your EpiPen at room temperature : Do not store it in sunlight, in the glove compartment of your car or anywhere it may get too hot or in the fridge which is too cold. Carry your EpiPen with you at all times: Pouches are available for men and women generally keep theirs in their handbag.