Epinephrine

indication for use

Epinephrine injection is used along with emergency medical treatment to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. Epinephrine is in a class of medications called alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists (sympathomimetic agents). It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and tightening the blood vessels.

How should this medicine be used?

Epinephrine injection comes as a pre-filled automatic injection device containing a solution (liquid) to inject under the skin or into the muscle in the outer side of the thigh. It is usually injected as needed at the first sign of a serious allergic reaction. Use epinephrine injection exactly as directed; do not inject it more often or inject more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.

You should inject epinephrine injection as soon as you suspect that you may be experiencing a serious allergic reaction. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include closing of the airways, wheezing, sneezing, hoarseness, hives, itching, swelling, skin redness, fast heartbeat, weak pulse, anxiety, confusion, stomach pain, losing control of urine or bowel movements, faintness, or loss of consciousness. Talk to your doctor about these symptoms and be sure you understand how to tell when you are having a serious allergic reaction and should inject epinephrine.

Keep your automatic injection device with you or available at all times so that you will be able to inject epinephrine quickly when an allergic reaction begins. Be aware of the expiration date stamped on the device and replace the device when this date passes. Look at the solution in the device from time to time. If the solution is discolored or contains particles, call your doctor to get a new injection device.

Epinephrine injection helps to treat serious allergic reaction but does not take the place of medical treatment. Get emergency medical treatment immediately after you inject epinephrine. Rest quietly while you wait for emergency medical treatment.

Most automatic injection devices contain enough solution for one dose of epinephrine. One type of automatic injection device (Twinject) can be used according to the package directions to inject two doses of epinephrine if needed to treat an allergic reaction. If your doctor has prescribed this device for you, be sure that you know how to inject the second dose and how to tell whether you should inject a second dose.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it. Before you use epinephrine injection for the first time, read the patient information that comes with it. This information includes directions for how to use the pre-filled automatic injection device. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about how to inject this medication.

Epinephrine should be injected only in the middle of the outer side of the thigh, and can be injected through clothing if necessary in an emergency. Do not inject epinephrine into the buttocks or any other part of your body.

After you inject a dose of epinephrine injection, some solution will remain in the injection device. This is normal and does not mean that you did not receive the full dose. Do not use the extra liquid; dispose of the remaining liquid and device properly. Take the used device with you to the emergency room or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider how to throw away used injection devices safely.

Do not put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the needle area of the automatic injection device. If epinephrine is accidently injected into the fingers, hands, toes, or feet, get emergency medical treatment immediately.

side effects

Epinephrine injection may cause side effects. When you get emergency medical treatment after you inject epinephrine, tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of these side effects:

• difficulty breathing
• pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• nausea
• vomiting
• sweating
• dizziness
• nervousness, anxiety, or restlessness
• weakness
• pale skin
• headache
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body