MyTeamSafe wants to raise awareness for people that don’t know how to correctly use an EpiPen, which could save someone’s life. Here’s some useful information and a link to a video, that can really help you understand how to use an EpiPen correctly.
What is an EpiPen
An EpiPen is a brand name for an epinephrine auto-injector, a medical device used to treat severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. The device contains a pre-measured dose of epinephrine, a hormone that can counteract the symptoms of anaphylaxis, including swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. A life-threatening allergic reaction can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or latex. EpiPens are designed to be easy to use and can be self-administered by the patient or by someone else in an emergency. They are life-saving devices for individuals with severe allergies, and it’s crucial to know how to use them safely and effectively, as they can be dangerous if administered incorrectly. Therefore, it’s crucial to learn how to use an EpiPen safely and effectively.
What are the signs of anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction with common symptoms including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, and a rapid or weak pulse. It’s important to know the signs of anaphylaxis so that you can recognise them and act quickly.
Do you use an EpiPen?
EPIPEN® YELLOW
FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WEIGHING OVER 25KG
EPIPEN® JR GREEN
FOR CHILDREN WEIGHING BETWEEN 7.5–25KG
Always carry your EpiPen with you, especially if you have a history of severe allergic reactions. Before you need to use your EpiPen, take the time to read the instructions and become familiar with how to use it. Each brand of EpiPen has its unique set of instructions.
When to use an EpiPen
If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, use your EpiPen immediately. Seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible, even if you feel better. Anaphylaxis can recur or worsen, so it’s essential to be under medical observation for a few hours after using the EpiPen.
How to use an EpiPen
- Form a fist around the EpiPen and PULL OFF THE BLUE SAFETY CAP
- POSITION THE ORANGE END about 10cm away from the outer mid-thigh — Clothed or unclothed is fine, avoid seams and pockets though!
- SWING AND JAB the ORANGE tip into the thigh at a 90-degree angle
- HOLD in place for 10 seconds
- REMOVE the Epipen, and massage the injection site for 10 seconds.
The needle automatically gets covered after use.
Three important things to always remember about your EpiPen:
- Store in a safe and easily accessible location
- Always carry TWO pens with you
- Check the expiry date on your EpiPen — Its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed after its expiry date. The expiry date can be found on the side of your EpiPen and refers to the last day of that month. If it is out of date, you must replace it immediately. Did you know that you can register it at www.epipen.co.uk and you will receive a reminder email or text 4 weeks before expiry, 2 weeks before expiry and 1 day after it expires!
Do your friends and family know how to use an EpiPen?
Consider training your friends, family, and colleagues on how to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and how to use the EpiPen properly, should it be needed.
Possible side effects after the use of an EpiPen injection.
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
- Paleness
- Sweating
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
- Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)
- Faster than normal heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Difficulty breathing
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