EpiPen is a life-saving medication that is used to treat a severe allergic reaction, known as Anaphylaxis. It is an auto-injectable device used to deliver the drug epinephrine to patients who are experiencing potentially dangerous consequences of allergic reactions – Anaphylaxis. Also known as Epinephrine Auto-Injector, this medication help stop the spread and progression of allergic reactions in our body. It is important to understand the working and application of Epipen.
How does EpiPen work?
EpiPen is the best treatment for Anaphylaxis, and rightly so. It works on the entire body and helps stop the release of allergic chemicals, thereby slowing down the progression of allergic reactions. EpiPen is a self-injecting epinephrine used to handle allergic emergencies.
Epinephrine is a natural hormone found in the human body, which plays a crucial part in our flight or fight response. Upon injecting, Eippen increases the levels of Epinephrine in the body. It is pertinent to mention that Epinephrine can be metabolised very easily; therefore, its side effects may go away in a short time.
Epipen mainly acts by constricting blood vessels. This action helps increase blood pressure and decreases swellings, and as a result, clears lungs. It is advisable to consult your allergist before starting your treatment with EpiPen.
Knowing the signs of Anaphylaxis is important
It is essential to know the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, especially Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs rapidly and can become worse in a very short time. People who experience the symptoms of severe allergic reactions should inject Epipen without wasting any time. In such cases, Epipen can play the role of a lifesaver. However, the importance of immediate medical assistance should not be overlooked.
The major symptoms of Anaphylaxis are:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Face, throat, and lips swelling
- Wheezing
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Hives and itching
- Pale skin
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Low blood pressure, among others.
All allergy sufferers should carry EpiPen. The parents whose kids have been diagnosed with allergies should also keep EpiPen with them. Peanuts, latex, shellfish and insect stings are the commonly known allergens that can cause severe allergic reactions.
How to use Epipen on yourself?
Before using Epipen, you have to make sure your device is working. Moreover, you need to ensure that the blue safety release of the auto-injector isn’t raised. The carrying case should allow the device to slide out easily. Contact your healthcare provider if your device is not fulfilling the above-mentioned criterion.
If you are not familiar with using Epipen, ask your healthcare provider to provide you with a trainer pen. Epipen training pen – with no drug and needle – is for demonstration purpose only; therefore, it must not be confused with an actual EpiPen auto-injector.
It is advisable to carry an additional Epipen with you because its effect is not long-lasting. Epipen can control allergic reactions for 20 minutes. Even if you feel better after using Epipen, you should ask someone to take you to the emergency room for proper medical treatment. The reason is that the allergic reaction may come back anytime if not given immediate medical treatment.
Usually, it is not recommended to administer Epipen more than two times without a medical expert’s supervision.
To administer EpiPen to yourself, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:
- The first step is to remove the EpiPen auto-injector from the clear carrier tube.
- Use your dominant hand and grasp the barrel of Epipen in it. Make sure the orange tip of the auto-injector points downward. Carefully check the placement of your hand. The fingers should not touch either end of the device.
- In the very next step, remove the blue safety release with the help of your other hand. You don’t need to twist or bend the device while doing this step.
- This step is crucial. Inject the orange tip of your Epipen in the middle of your upper thigh. Keep pushing until it produces a clicking sound. The sound is evidence that epinephrine injection is in process.
- You need to hold the Epipen device in place for 3 seconds. After 3-4 seconds, you can remove the device from your thigh carefully and slowly.
- After the removal of the device, massage the area of the injection with your fingers. Continue this gentle massage for about ten seconds.
- After the successful administration of Epipen, call the healthcare emergency service. If you are unable to call, ask someone else to do that for you.
When to use your EpiPen
Anaphylaxis is a potentially severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Even a couple of minutes of exposure to allergens can cause Anaphylaxis. The effects and symptoms of Anaphylaxis vary from person to person. The most common symptoms may include hives, itching, flushing, swelling of lips and tongue. This condition may also affect your lungs’ airways, resulting in difficulty in breathing and tightness of the chest and throat.
Always carry Epipen with you if you think you have a history of allergic symptoms. Apply Epipen as soon as the initial signs of Anaphylaxis being to appear. A slight delay can be life-threatening.
