{"id":11629,"date":"2023-10-16T12:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T16:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.protrainings.com\/blog\/?p=11629"},"modified":"2025-04-30T20:21:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T00:21:53","slug":"how-use-epipen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.protrainings.com\/blog\/how-use-epipen\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use an EpiPen: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. What Is the History & Purpose of an EpiPen?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. How Much Does an EpiPen Cost?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Who Should Use an EpiPen<\/a>\n
      \n
    1. Signs & Symptoms of Anaphylaxis<\/a>\n
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      1. \u201cCommon Causes & Symptoms of Anaphylaxis\u201d Infographic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. When to Use an EpiPen Versus Benadryl<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. When to Use an EpiPen<\/a>\n
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        1. \u201cSigns of Anaphylaxis\u201d Infographic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Who Should Not Use an EpiPen?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. How to Use an EpiPen<\/a>\n
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          1. \u201cHow to Use an EpiPen\u201d Infographic<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. \u201cEpiPen Myths\u201d Infographic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. How to Keep an EpiPen in Good Condition<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            You\u2019re at a friend\u2019s birthday party, enjoying the festivities, when suddenly, you hear someone gasp for air. Your friend, who has a peanut allergy, accidentally ate a treat containing peanuts. Within seconds, their throat begins to close up, and they\u2019re struggling to breathe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In that moment, you remember \u2014 they carry an EpiPen. You\u2019ve seen it before, but you\u2019ve never used one. You act quickly, knowing that getting the epinephrine into their system could be the crucial step in saving their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Nearly 11% of adults and 8% of children in the U.S. have food allergies, according to Allergy & Asthma Network<\/a>, which means it\u2019s possible that someone close to you has an allergy and carries an EpiPen. If an allergic reaction turns severe, you may be the one called upon to act fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Read on to learn how to react when anaphylaxis occurs, how to use an EpiPen, and everything else you should know about this simple, lifesaving tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            What Is the History & Purpose of an EpiPen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            According to Healthline<\/a>, the EpiPen was designed in the 1970s and was originally intended for military use. It soon found its way onto the civilian market as a treatment for a severe allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Designed to be user-friendly, EpiPens, or epinephrine auto-injectors, can mean the difference between life and death for those who suffer from anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Anaphylaxis is caused by a severe allergic reaction and can be caused by anything from a peanut to a bee sting.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            When you know how to use an EpiPen properly, this little adrenaline-filled needle has the power to reopen closed airways and give a sufferer of anaphylaxis precious minutes to seek further medical help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How Much Does an EpiPen Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            In the past, the lifesaving benefits of EpiPen versus the lack of competition on the market led to pharmaceutical companies raising the price, according to Forbes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            EpiPens also have a short shelf life \u2014 just 12 months \u2014 which further increases the cost. In 2020, the average cost of a pack of two EpiPens in the U.S. for a person without medical insurance was $669.80. Doctors recommend two packs so a user always has a spare on hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If cost is a concern, consider generic epinephrine auto-injectors as a less expensive name-brand alternative. Be aware that while EpiPens and generic auto-injectors both use epinephrine, there may be slight differences in the design of the devices and their instructions for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Who Should Use an EpiPen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            An EpiPen is an essential tool for anyone at risk of a severe allergic reaction, particularly anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Typically, individuals who have a known severe allergy to foods, insect stings, medications, or other triggers are prescribed an EpiPen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            This includes people who\u2019ve experienced anaphylactic reactions in the past or those diagnosed with severe allergies that pose a significant risk of an emergency situation. It\u2019s important for both the individual carrying the EpiPen and those around them to be familiar with how to use it in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In some cases, people with multiple or unpredictable allergies may also be advised to carry an EpiPen, even if they haven’t had a severe allergic reaction yet. Whether it’s an accidental exposure to peanuts, bee stings, or certain medications, being prepared with an EpiPen could be lifesaving<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Signs & Symptoms of Anaphylaxis<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis is the first step in determining when to use an EpiPen. Anaphylaxis can occur rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to an allergen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            It affects multiple systems in the body, so symptoms can vary \u2014\u00a0from concerning to fatal<\/a> \u2014 but often include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n