Bee Stings & Using Your EpiPen
More than 50 million Americans experience some form of allergies each year, and this number continues to increase. In cases of severe allergic reactions, which at least one of every 50 Americans will experience at some point in their lifetime, having an EpiPen is essential.
Epinephrine -- The Body’s Natural Stress Response
Epinephrine (more commonly known as adrenaline) is both a medication and a hormone produced naturally in the body. It is responsible for managing physiological processes like respiration, and it also plays a significant role in the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response.
When humans are triggered by the presence of something that they find physically, mentally, or emotionally frightening, the body prepares to literally ‘fight’ or ‘run away from’ the threat. This biological response dates back to when our ancient human ancestors faced dangerous elements from their environment.
In fight-or-flight mode, the sympathetic nervous system cues the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and other catecholamines. This fast response increases the heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Physical signs of the body entering fight-or-flight response include pale skin, dilated pupils, an increased heart rate, tremoring muscles, and rapid breathing.
As a medication, epinephrine is used to treat anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. In anaphylactic shock, the heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure drop, which makes it very difficult to breathe. Severe allergic reactions can progress quickly, and an injection of epinephrine can keep a person alive until emergency medical services arrive.
What Is an EpiPen?
An EpiPen is the brand name for a type of epinephrine (or adrenaline) autoinjector used to treat anaphylaxis in an emergency situation. It is currently the most popular and widely used epinephrine autoinjector.
EpiPens are typically purchased in packages of one or two devices, and the price can range from $100 to upwards of $400. Generic epinephrine is covered by most insurance plans, as well as Medicare. Users will need a prescription to purchase an EpiPen, as this potent drug is not available over the counter.
People with life-threatening allergies should carry an EpiPen with them at all times, especially if they anticipate being around antigens like peanuts or shellfish.
Ideally, the user will have two doses of epinephrine at the ready, since a major allergic reaction could reoccur. If you suspect that you or someone else is having a severe allergic reaction, you should be prepared to use an EpiPen immediately. The symptoms of these reactions include shortness of breath, a weak pulse, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and a combination of hives, rash, or swelling.
People carrying EpiPens should be well-versed on how to use them, as well as how to instruct others in their use, should they need assistance injecting epinephrine into their bodies.
How Do I Use an EpiPen?
In the case of a severe allergic reaction, the user will need to inject the EpiPen into the muscle of their outer thigh -- if need be, it can be injected through their clothing. The autoinjector will come with a set of directions.
To use the EpiPen, first remove it from its clear carrier tube. Grasp it firmly in your first with the orange colored tip pointing downward. Think “blue to the sky, orange to the thigh.”
Pull the blue safety cap straight up to remove it. Make sure not to bend or twist the blue safety release. It is important that the user never put their fingers or hand over the colored end of the pen, as they could accidentally inject themselves with epinephrine.
Next, place the orange tip of the device against the middle of the outer thigh at a 90 degree angle. Lift the injector and firmly push it into the thigh until you hear a clicking noise, which indicates that the injection has commenced.
Hold the pen firmly in place for ten whole seconds, then remove the injector from the thigh. The orange tip will cover the needle. Massage the injected area for about ten seconds after using the EpiPen.
Always seek medical attention, even after using an EpiPen, to treat a severe allergic reaction, as the autoinjector’s effects may wear off. If emergency medical services are on the way, be sure to keep the used EpiPen and disclose to your healthcare provider that you have received an injection of epinephrine. Show the location of your injection and give the used injector to your provider for proper disposal.
What Are Side Effects of EpiPen Use?
After being injected with an EpiPen, users may feel a range of side effects, including:
● Redness, swelling, tenderness, or an infection at the site of injection
● A rapid, irregular, or ‘pounding’ heartbeat
● Sweating or clamminess
● Headache or muscle ache
● Weakness, dizziness, or breathing problems
● Nausea or vomiting
● Anxiety or shakiness
● Paleness
An EpiPen may also react with other medications, including diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and drugs for treating irregular heartbeats -- know your prescriptions and share a list with your healthcare provider prior to an emergency situation arising.
Who Can Use the EpiPen?
The EpiPen is suitable for adults and children who weigh more than 66 lbs. The EpiPen Jr. is meant for smaller children between 33 and 66 lbs and injects 0.15 mg of epinephrine, whereas the EpiPen injects a dose of 0.3 mg.
Like the EpiPen, the EpiPen Jr. should only be injected into the middle thigh area. It is not yet known if the EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. are safe and effective for children who weigh under 33 lbs.
Younger children are likely not able to inject themselves according to the instructions -- in case of a severe allergic reaction, a caregiver may need to hold the child’s leg firmly in place to restrict their movement prior to receiving an injection.
An EpiPen can be used by pregnant women, but only in circumstances where an injection justifies the risk it poses to a fetus. An EpiPen may be administered -- cautiously -- to people with hyperthyroidism or diabetes, as well as the elderly.
Additional Information
It is important to keep the EpiPen out of reach of children. Refrain from sharing an EpiPen with others, and only use the autoinjector for the reason prescribed. Speak with your doctor to see if the EpiPen is right for you.
We discuss there more in our YouTube Video.