Explanation

EpiPen® contains a medicine that can help you feel better immediately if you have anaphylaxis. EpiPen® stops allergic reactions very quickly.

How does EpiPen® work?

EpiPen® contains a medicine called adrenaline, which is also called epinephrine. The 'Epi' in 'EpiPen®' comes from 'epi-nephrine'. Adrenaline works very quickly to stop anaphylaxis by making your blood vessels narrower and making the airways in your lungs wider.

You are usually only given an EpiPen® if you have had anaphylaxis before.

What does it look like?

EpiPen® is made to be really easy to use, so that you can inject it yourself.

As you might guess from the name, it comes as a small pen! It has a needle at its tip, which is sealed underneath a black plastic cover to keep it safe. There is a grey safety cover on the other end that you must take off before you use the EpiPen®. Inside the EpiPen® is a glass cartridge that contains the adrenaline.

Your doctor will show you how to use EpiPen® when you first get it, so that you know what to do in an emergency.

When do I have to take it?

You only need to use your EpiPen® in an emergency - when you think you are about to go into anaphylaxis. This could be after you have come into contact with something, eaten something, or been stung by something that has given you anaphylaxis before. Don't use your EpiPen® at any other time.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

Anaphylaxis is very dangerous - it could even kill you! If you go into anaphylaxis, you must use your EpiPen® immediately to stop it.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

It's important that you take your EpiPen® with you wherever you go, in case you come into contact with something that causes you to go into anaphylaxis.

Your doctor might tell you that you should you take more than one EpiPen® around with you if you are likely to need more than one dose.

How do I use it?

Your doctor will teach you how to use your EpiPen® when you get it. It's important that you know exactly how to use it before you first need to.

Your doctor will also teach you to recognise the warning signs of anaphylaxis. If it has been caused by an insect sting, try to remove the stinger from your skin with your fingernails. Be careful not to squeeze it or push the sting in further.

EpiPen® should only be injected into your thigh. Don't try to inject anywhere else, including your bum, because you might hit a vein there.

EpiPen® can be used through your clothes - don't waste time taking off your trousers or anything else you are wearing on your legs. Take off the grey safety cap and wrap your fist around the EpiPen®, with the black end pointing towards your leg.

Now, hold the EpiPen® about 10 centimetres away from your thigh and jab it firmly down. Hold it against your thigh for about 10 seconds. An automatic spring will inject the medicine into your leg - there is no need to press any plunger or do anything else. Take the EpiPen® away and rub the skin for 10 seconds where the needle went in so that the medicine can get into your blood.

Most of the liquid will stay in the EpiPen®, but this is normal and you should not try to use it again. You should now get some medical help. Either go to a hospital, call your doctor, or call an ambulance. Make sure you take your used EpiPen with you.

Be very careful not to let the black end of the EpiPen® get near to your fingers or thumbs. If you do, you might accidently inject the adrenaline from the EpiPen® into your fingertips. This can stop your blood from getting through to them, so if it happens, go to a hospital immediately.

How much do I have to take?

How much adrenaline you need depends on how much you weigh. If you are very young, or don't weigh very much, your doctor will probably give you the EpiPen® Jr., as this contains less adrenaline.

Sometimes, if the symptoms of anaphylaxis have not gone away 5 to15 minutes after you have used EpiPen, you may need another injection. You can't use your EpiPen® more than once, so you may need to take two around with you in case this happens. Ask your doctor about this.

What are the most likely side effects I might get if I take EpiPen®?

The most likely side effects you might get when you use Epipen® are:

your heart might beat differently from usual, or beat very fast

High blood pressure

Sweating

Feeling or being sick

Difficulty breathing

Being pale

A headache

Dizziness

Feeling weak

Feeling shaky and nervous

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

Very rarely, one of the ingredients in EpiPen®, called sodium metabisulfite, can itself cause an allergic reaction. But, even if you are allergic to this you should still use EpiPen® because it is the only way to stop anaphylaxis.

If any side effects that you have make you feel unwell, or if you notice any other side effects that you haven't been told about, you should tell your doctor as soon as you can.

Is it safe for me to be taking EpiPen®?

You should tell your doctor if you have hyperthyroidism (an over active thyroid gland), diabetes, or high blood pressure. You will still need your EpiPen®, but they may have some special instructions for you.

Is it okay for me to be taking EpiPen® if I'm already taking other medications?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies.

It is especially important to tell your doctor if you're taking medicines for depression, because these might increase the effects of EpiPen®.

Also tell your doctor if you're taking medicines that may make your heart sensitive to uneven beats (called arrhythmias), like digitalis, mercurial diuretics or quinidine.

If you have diabetes, remember to check your glucose levels after you use EpiPen®. It can decrease how much insulin your body makes, which increases your blood glucose levels.

Do I need to know anything else about EpiPen®?

Your EpiPen® lasts for 18 months. Check the date it is due to run out and make sure you replace it before then.

You should occasionally check the glass cartridge in the EpiPen®. The adrenaline inside it should be a clear liquid, but it will turn pink or brown if it is exposed to light or air. If the adrenaline isn't clear, get a new EpiPen® immediately.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with allergic reactions in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.