Appropriate Use of EpiPens
EpiPens and other epinephrine emergency injectors can be life saving devices when used correctly. Misusing EpiPens or not using EpiPens can lead to anaphylactic shock or death if an allergic reaction is not treated correctly. The first step of distinguishing whether or not an EpiPen is necessary is to determine how severe the symptoms are.
Why use an EpiPen?
Allergies can develop at any age, in any gender or race therefore knowing distinguishable reactions can help to determine how to handle the reaction. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance, otherwise known as an allergen. It is important to remember that even though initial reactions may be mild, more severe reactions can be triggered later on. Depending on how the allergen was ingested will determine the type of reaction it will cause. If the allergen is airborne, then the reactions will occur in places where it commonly comes in contact with the skin such as eyes, nose and lungs. Ingested allergens can trigger reactions in the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Ingested allergens can also appear as rashes or have effects similar to asthma symptoms depending on the reaction’s severity.
The most severe allergic reaction is an anaphylactic reaction which impairs breathing, decreases blood pressure and can affect the body’s heart rate. Anaphylaxis must be treated as soon as possible with an injection of epinephrine in order to combat the reaction and cut off any progressing reactions.
With food allergies, there is no way to predict how severe or mild a reaction may be. Due to this fact, being formally diagnosed with an allergy will enable a doctor to prescribe an EpiPen to a patient and teach them how to use it in order to combat any future allergic reactions.
Why use an EpiPen?
Allergies can develop at any age, in any gender or race therefore knowing distinguishable reactions can help to determine how to handle the reaction. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance, otherwise known as an allergen. It is important to remember that even though initial reactions may be mild, more severe reactions can be triggered later on. Depending on how the allergen was ingested will determine the type of reaction it will cause. If the allergen is airborne, then the reactions will occur in places where it commonly comes in contact with the skin such as eyes, nose and lungs. Ingested allergens can trigger reactions in the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Ingested allergens can also appear as rashes or have effects similar to asthma symptoms depending on the reaction’s severity.
The most severe allergic reaction is an anaphylactic reaction which impairs breathing, decreases blood pressure and can affect the body’s heart rate. Anaphylaxis must be treated as soon as possible with an injection of epinephrine in order to combat the reaction and cut off any progressing reactions.
With food allergies, there is no way to predict how severe or mild a reaction may be. Due to this fact, being formally diagnosed with an allergy will enable a doctor to prescribe an EpiPen to a patient and teach them how to use it in order to combat any future allergic reactions.
Inside the EpiPen
Allergic reactions are typically treated with either antihistamine or epinephrine. EpiPens contain epinephrine because it is able to combat the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Antihistamine is typically found in over the counter allergy medications and are used to effectively treat epidural reactions. Each EpiPen is an auto-injector which means that during an allergic reaction, applying an EpiPen with the correct amount of force will allow the medicine to be dispensed through an injection automatically. The dosage is already pre-installed and the needle is ready to be projected without delay. Which EpiPen is right for you? There are two EpiPens: an EpiPen for people weighing more than 66 pounds with a yellow label, and an EpiPen Jr. for children weighing between 33 - 66 pounds with a green label. EpiPen holds a 0.3 mg dosage of epinephrine while EpiPen jr. has 0.15mg. All EpiPens are auto-injectors which will automatically inject the user when applied the proper amount of pressure to the needle tip. It is important to carry the EpiPen on your person in case of emergencies. All EpiPen packages come in 2-packs to comply with the National Food Allergy Guidelines that recommend that 2 EpiPens be carried with the person at all times in case of severe allergic reactions that require additional epinephrine dosages. If you have a medical condition such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, using an EpiPen may cause pre-existing conditions to worsen or may trigger longer lasting side effects from the EpiPen usage. All EpiPens come with a training kit that will enable first time users to experience and practice the process of epinephrine injection without actually injecting epinephrine into their bodies. |
Maintaining your EpiPen
EpiPens can only be useful when treating an allergic reaction if it is used properly. Always maintain an EpiPen prescription that is valid. All EpiPens will have their expiration dates printed on the individual unit. The liquid inside the EpiPen must be clear; if the liquid is not clear renew the prescription immediately and do not use this unit. Two EpiPens should be kept in an easily accessible location at all times in case of emergencies. Keeping the EpiPens at room temperature allows them to stay at their best capacity before their expiration dates. Why carry two EpiPens? During an allergic reaction any misstep could become fatal. Taking each allergic reaction as life threatening makes the practice of carrying two EpiPens on your person essential. Carrying two EpiPens at all times has proven to be useful due to the risk of protracted reactions, biphasic reactions, and common human error. Protracted reactions occur when allergy symptoms persist after one epinephrine injection. In this case, a second injection from an EpiPen would be administered in order to combat the reaction until emergency services arrive. Biphasic reactions occur when the allergy symptoms reappear hours after the first EpiPen administration. The second reaction typically occurs within 8 hours, but can also reappear in up to 72 hours after the initial reaction. Disposing of Used EpiPens After use, the EpiPen will not fit into its original carrier case due to the projected needle tip. Both the carrier and the EpiPen must be disposed of. EpiPens can be given to hospitals, pharmacies, or to a professional health care facility for proper disposal in a sharps container. If you are unsure where to dispose of an EpiPen call your local health care provider and ask. Epinephrine in EpiPens usually expires within a year of being prescribed to patients. Always be sure to renew your prescription on time and bring the expired EpiPens with you to dispose of them properly. It is important to never dispose of EpiPens (expired or not) in garbage cans as it is illegal and unsafe. Expired EpiPens must be disposed of in the same manner as used EpiPens. It is important to dispose of expired EpiPens as they can be ineffective or can cause worse reactions if used to treat an allergic reaction. |
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