Using an Epinephrine Autoinjector

Your healthcare provider has prescribed the epinephrine autoinjector for you. The epinephrine autoinjector is used to give yourself a shot during an emergency allergic reaction. The autoinjector can be thrown away after you use it and has a hidden needle. The needle moves into place by a spring inside the pen. An epinephrine autoinjector makes giving yourself a shot easy. It also makes it easy for someone else to give you a shot if you are unable to do it for yourself.

Be prepared

Know how to use your epinephrine autoinjector before you have an allergic reaction:

• Keep more than one epinephrine autoinjector. Carry one kit with you and keep others in easy-to-find places, at home and at work.

• Make sure you check the expiration dates of your epinephrine autoinjectors.

• Dispose of the epinephrine autoinjector properly after each use. The instructions that come with the epinephrine autoinjector tell you how to do so.

Prepare your family and friends

Wear a medical ID bracelet. It should let others know about your allergy and what to do in an emergency. Tell your family, friends, and coworkers what they should do if you have a severe allergic reaction:

• Tell them to call 911 if it seems you are having a reaction.

• Tell them to start CPR if you stop breathing.

• Ask them to make sure you are lying down with your legs raised during the reaction.

• Show them how to use the epinephrine autoinjector.

• If they need to give you a shot, tell them to always use the side of your thigh.

What to do if you have an allergic reaction

If you have an allergic reaction, give yourself a shot using the epinephrine autoinjector. This will help stop the reaction until medical help arrives.

• Use any site on the side of your thigh. There is no need to look for the best injection site or to give the shot in the buttocks or arm.

• With the tip of the epinephrine autoinjector pointed toward the side of your thigh, jab the pen against your thigh for 10 seconds. This releases a spring-activated plunger, which pushes the hidden needle into the thigh muscle and gives a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline).

• Call 911 right after giving the injection.

• Lie down and raise your legs while you wait for help to arrive.

How to prevent allergic reactions

• Be careful. Try to stay away from the items that cause your allergic reaction.

• Tell all your healthcare providers and pharmacist about any allergies you have to medicines. Keep a list of alternative medicines handy.

• Ask your healthcare provider if allergy shots (immunotherapy) will help you.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.