Epinephrine injection (Auto-injector)

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) is used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. You should keep this medicine with you at all times.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into the outer thigh. Your doctor or health care professional will instruct you on the proper use of the device during an emergency. Read all directions carefully and make sure you understand them. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This drug is commonly used in children. A special device is available for use in children. If you are giving this medicine to a young child, hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injury.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxious

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• increased sweating

• nausea

• unusually weak or tired

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine is only used during an emergency. Significant drug interactions are not likely during emergency use.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. You should only use this medicine for an allergic reaction.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and heat. The solution should be clear in color. If the solution is discolored or contains particles it must be replaced. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about proper disposal of the injector if it is expired or has been used. Always replace your auto-injector before it expires.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• Parkinson's disease

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Keep this medicine ready for use in the case of a severe allergic reaction. Make sure that you have the phone number of your doctor or health care professional and local hospital ready. Remember to check the expiration date of your medicine regularly. You may need to have additional units of this medicine with you at work, school, or other places. Talk to your doctor or health care professional about your need for extra units. Some emergencies may require an additional dose. Check with your doctor or a health care professional before using an extra dose.

After use, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Avoid physical activity. Make sure the treating health care professional knows you have received an injection of this medicine. You will receive additional instructions on what to do during and after use of this medicine before a medical emergency occurs.