Epipen (Adrenaline (Epinephrine))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Epipen Used For?
Epipen is a life-saving emergency medication that contains adrenaline (epinephrine), a natural hormone your body releases during stress. It’s designed specifically for the immediate emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis.
Primary Uses
Epipen is used to treat severe allergic reactions caused by foods, medicines, stinging insects, insect bites, latex, or other allergens (possibly unidentified). It affects the whole body or several parts of the body including heart and blood circulation, air passages and lungs, stomach and bowels, skin, and brain.
How It Works
Adrenaline works by shrinking abnormally wide blood vessels and making the heart beat stronger, which improves very low blood pressure and poor circulation. It also relaxes the lungs to ease breathing and reduce wheezing, and helps stop swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet, as well as skin rash and itching.
Good to know: Epipen provides convenient first-aid with a spring-activated, hidden needle that automatically injects one pre-measured dose. There is no visible needle to help overcome fear of injection, and the hidden needle is very fine so injection doesn’t usually hurt.
How to Take Epipen
Epipen is a single-use auto-injector that delivers a fixed dose of adrenaline. It’s crucial to learn how to use it properly before an emergency occurs. The device is designed for injection into the outer mid-thigh and can be used through clothing.
Dosage Instructions
Epipen delivers one measured dose intended for persons weighing 30 kg or more. It may be prescribed for children weighing between 15 kg and 30 kg based on careful medical assessment. Use immediately when experiencing signs of severe allergic reaction. With severe, persistent reactions, repeat injections may be necessary every 5 to 15 minutes if symptoms recur. Always carry two auto-injectors in case a second dose is required. Do not inject more than two sequential doses unless under medical supervision.
Emergency Use Steps
1) Remove from protective tube and check solution is clear and colorless 2) Make fist around device with thumb near blue safety release 3) Remove blue safety release to activate 4) Hold at 90° angle to outer thigh, about 5 cm away 5) Push orange end firmly into thigh until click is heard 6) Hold firmly for 3 seconds 7) Remove and check viewing window is obscured 8) Seek immediate medical attention even if symptoms improve.
Important: Never inject into hands, feet, ears, nose, buttocks, genital area or blood vessels. Always point orange end away from body except at injection site. Do not touch orange end while removing safety release.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Fast or noticeable heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs requiring immediate medical attention include persistent fast heartbeat, severe breathing difficulties, severe chest pain
Important Warnings
Epipen is a life-saving treatment that should not be withheld from anyone considered to need it. However, certain medical conditions require special caution when using this medication.
Who Should Not Take Epipen
Do not use if packaging is torn or tampered with, if contents are cloudy, colored, contain sediment, or if viewing window is obscured. Do not use in children weighing below 15 kg without careful medical assessment.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Use with caution if you have high blood pressure, thyroid problems, high pressure in the eye (narrow-angle glaucoma), diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, severe kidney problems, prostate tumor, high calcium or low potassium levels in blood, asthma, brain damage, or allergy to sodium metabisulfite. If you have thick subcutaneous fat layer, there’s risk of suboptimal effect and may need second injection.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed before using Epipen.
Emergency Use: After using Epipen, always seek immediate medical attention by contacting your doctor or calling ambulance (000 in Australia), even if symptoms appear to be improving. You may need additional medical treatment.
Drug Interactions
Several medications may interfere with Epipen and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
Diabetes monitoring: People with diabetes should carefully monitor glucose levels after using Epipen as adrenaline can affect insulin production and increase blood glucose levels.
- Heart disease medicines (digitalis, digoxin, quinidine, alpha and beta blocking medicines)
- Parkinson’s disease treatments (catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors, levodopa)
- Depression medications (tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- Thyroid medications (levothyroxine sodium, thyroid hormones)
- Diabetes medications
- Asthma medications (theophylline)
- Labor medications (oxytocin)
- Nervous system medications (parasympatholytics)
- Allergy medications (antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine)
- Anesthesia medications (halothane, cyclopropane, trichlorethylene)
Alcohol & Driving
Both the anaphylactic reaction and adrenaline can affect your ability to function normally. Take precautions with alcohol consumption and avoid driving until you’re certain you can do so safely.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase the effects of adrenaline. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your ability to drive and use machines may be affected by the anaphylactic reaction and possible adverse effects to adrenaline. Avoid these activities until you’re certain you can perform them safely.
Storage
Keep Epipen in the protective carry tube until needed and protect from light. Store below 25°C with temperature excursions between 15°C to 25°C permitted. Do not refrigerate. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in bathroom, near sink, in car, or on window sills. Extreme temperatures and dampness may cause malfunction. Keep out of reach of children. Check expiry date monthly and replace before expiration.
Overdose Information
Because each Epipen contains only one dose, overdosage is unlikely. However, overdosage may lead to rise in blood pressure, potentially causing bleeding in the brain or fluid in the lungs. If you think you’ve used too much, immediately phone Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epipen works immediately upon injection. You should hold the device firmly against the thigh for approximately 3 seconds to ensure full dose delivery. However, always seek immediate medical attention even if symptoms improve, as you may need additional treatment.
Yes, Epipen can be used through clothing. The auto-injector is designed to work effectively whether injected directly to skin or through clothing into the outer mid-thigh.
Epipen is for single use only and cannot be reused. Each auto-injector delivers one pre-measured dose. After use, the device should be given to a doctor, pharmacist, or hospital for safe disposal.
After using Epipen, seek immediate medical attention by contacting your doctor or calling an ambulance (000 in Australia). Record the time Epipen was given. While waiting for help, lie down with feet raised unless this makes you breathless, then sit up. Have someone stay with you until help arrives.
Check your Epipen monthly through the viewing window to ensure the solution remains clear, colorless, and sediment-free. Also check the expiry date regularly and mark it on your calendar. Replace immediately if solution is cloudy, colored, contains particles, or if expired.
Alcohol may increase the effects of adrenaline in Epipen. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this may affect how the medication works if you need to use it in an emergency.
With severe, persistent allergic reactions, repeat injections may be necessary every 5 to 15 minutes if symptoms recur or haven’t subsided. Always carry two auto-injectors for this reason. Do not inject more than two sequential doses unless under medical supervision.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.