Will an EpiPen hurt you if you don't need it?

Most deaths from anaphylaxis are caused by a delay in the administration of epinephrine. We tell our patients: when in doubt, administer. Using epinephrine if not medically necessary will not hurt you – however – not using can have dire consequences.

What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it?

Too much epinephrine can cause dangerously high blood pressure, stroke, or death. Signs of an overdose include: Irregular heart beat. Difficulty breathing caused by a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

What if I accidentally use an EpiPen?

Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving EpiPen to another person. Accidentally injecting EpiPen into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness.

Can I use an EpiPen for fun?

THE BOTTOM LINE: Only use an EpiPen in situations for which it was prescribed. (Like when experiencing anaphylaxis caused by a severe allergy.) Otherwise, it can cause arrhythmias, a heart attack, stroke, or death. Now stop thinking of ways to cheat and start training.

Can you use an EpiPen if not prescribed?

You can't just go to a pharmacy and ask for an EpiPen. You need to have a prescription for one, and you should fill that prescription long before you have an allergic reaction serious enough to use the EpiPen. You should have the pen available for when you have an allergic reaction.

7 What happens if I administer my injector and I didn’t need to?

Can I use EpiPen for mild reaction?

Take any symptom or sign of anaphylaxis seriously, advises Dr. Kapil. Don't delay using an EpiPen or other auto-injector. “We always suggest erring on the side of using it if there's any hint that a serious reaction is underway,” she says.

When should you not use epinephrine?

Epinephrine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, in patients with angle closure glaucoma, and patients in shock (nonanaphylactic).

What happens if you use an EpiPen and don t go to the hospital?

A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen.

Does an EpiPen work through jeans?

FACT: Yes, epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPen®, ALLERJECT®, Emerade^TM) can be given through clothing if necessary, but it's best to avoid seams and pockets.

Is an EpiPen just Benadryl?

An EpiPen® contains the medication epinephrine (also called adrenaline). Benadryl® and other over the counter allergy medications are commonly referred to as antihistamines. The medication in Benadryl® is called diphenhydramine.

What are the risks of epinephrine?

The more common side effects include tachycardia, hypertension, headache, anxiety, apprehension, palpitations, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and tremors. Careful monitoring of vital signs is crucial, especially in patients with polypharmacy.

What happens if you have an allergic reaction without EpiPen?

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don't have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can be fatal.

How long do EpiPens last if not used?

Typically, the expiration dates for most drugs are set at two or three years from the time of manufacture. EpiPens have an even shorter shelf life—about 18 months. But there's been very little research done on how quickly—or slowly—drugs break down after they're past the expiry date.

Where should you not inject an EpiPen?

This medicine is injected under the skin or into the muscle of your outer thigh only. Do not inject this medicine into a vein, into the muscle of your buttocks, or into your fingers, toes, hands, or feet. To do so, may increase the chance of having serious side effects.

Should I carry one or two EpiPens?

It is important for patients to carry 2 autoinjectors and recognize anaphylaxis signs and administer epinephrine as soon as possible. Repeat the dose every 5 to 15 minutes, if the response is inadequate and to avoid subcutaneous and deltoid administration.

How do you survive anaphylactic shock without an EpiPen?

There is no substitute for epinephrine, which is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Neither antihistamines nor glucocorticoids work as quickly as epinephrine, and neither can effectively treat the severe symptoms associated with anaphylaxis.

What is mild anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis symptoms occur suddenly and can progress quickly. The early symptoms may be mild, such as a runny nose, a skin rash or a “strange feeling.” These symptoms can quickly lead to more serious problems, including: Trouble breathing. Hives or swelling. Tightness of the throat.

How long does mild anaphylaxis last?

Most cases are mild but any anaphylaxis has the potential to become life-threatening. Anaphylaxis develops rapidly, usually reaching peak severity within 5 to 30 minutes, and may, rarely, last for several days.

Will mild anaphylaxis go away?

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can be mild, and they may go away on their own (most anaphylactic reactions will require treatment). But it's difficult to predict if or how quickly they will get worse. It's possible for symptoms to be delayed for several hours.

What is the most common mild side effect of epinephrine?

Common side effects of epinephrine may include anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, and shakiness.

Does epinephrine cause heart attacks?

Epinephrine induced myocardial infarction in the setting of management of anaphylaxis has been reported only on a few occasions. There have been five reported cases where therapeutic doses of epinephrine had caused myocardial infarction [3–7].

Does epinephrine affect the heart?

It is well known that epinephrine increases the strength of contraction and the heart rate.

Do EpiPen drugs slow or stop anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine — Epinephrine is the first and most important treatment for anaphylaxis, and it should be administered as soon as anaphylaxis is recognized to prevent the progression to life-threatening symptoms as described in the rapid overviews of the emergency management of anaphylaxis in adults (table 1) and children ...

Does Benadryl help anaphylaxis?

Antihistamines, like Benadryl^®, do not reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be used instead of epinephrine. They can be given after epinephrine, but are mostly for comfort to relieve itching.

What are the two most common signs of anaphylaxis?

breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing. wheezing. a fast heartbeat.