Allergic Reaction? When and How You Should Use an 'EpiPen'
Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening and happen when you least expect them.
One of the main reasons allergic reactions can happen so suddenly is that there are a number of substances individuals can be allergic to, including insect bites and stings, food items and latex.
If you have a severe allergy, you may need to carry what's called an EpiPen with you wherever you go. Many of us have maybe seen someone use an EpiPen in a movie or television show.
Still, you may not know what exactly an EpiPen is, what it's used for and what the substance inside it even is.
What is an EpiPen?
Every individual is different, which means how you react to a certain substance can be very different than how those around you respond to it. For instance, some allergic reactions may cause swelling in the face or itching while others are much more serious and even life-threatening.
If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may experience a tightening in the muscles in your airways which can impact your breathing. If you and your doctor know about a severe allergy, you'll likely also be prescribed a epinephrine injections, which come in prefilled automatic injection devices commonly referred to as EpiPens.
The National Library of Medicine describes epinephrine as a medication that works to relax the muscles within your airways to allow you to breathe more easily and tighten your blood vessels, which helps distribute blood to your important organs.
When do you use an EpiPen?
An EpiPen should be used as soon as a serious allergic reaction is suspected.
According to the National Library of Medicine, some signs that could indicate a serious allergic reaction include:
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Hoarseness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness on your skin
- Quickened heartbeat
- Confusion and/or anxiety
- Faintness or loss of consciousness
It's also important to keep track of the expiration date that should be stamped on your injection device. If the solution is expired, replace the EpiPen immediately.
How do you use an EpiPen?
An EpiPen is a prefilled auto-injection device that can be used to inject an epinephrine solution either under your skin or into your muscle. You should use an EpiPen as directed at the first sign of an allergic reaction.
Before using an EpiPen for the first time, be sure you read the patient information and instructions that come with it carefully. You should also ask your doctor or your pharmacist to show you and your caregivers how to use the device.
Typically, epinephrine should be injected into the middle or outer part of the thigh, and it can be injected through clothing if needed.
If you or a loved one is having a severe allergic reaction and requires the use of an EpiPen, you should seek emergency medical help immediately after administering the medication. If symptoms continue or recur, you may need to use an additional EpiPen depending on the instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you.
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