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Epinephrine is the first line of defense to treat anaphylaxis, and as soon as the reaction is treated the less severe it's likely to become. People with severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis should carry an auto-injectable epinephrine pen with them all the time. Epinephrine typically comes as a single dose prefilled automatic injection device, commonly known as an EpiPen, and is designed to be injected into the thigh. This training is based on the EpiPen brand of auto-injectable epinephrine, so if you use a different brand, make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions. Any time an EpiPen has been used make sure 911 has been called. The person must seek immediate medical treatment even if they feel better. Now, to administer an EpiPen, we move the safety cap, grip the EpiPen in your hand with the tip pointing downwards, never put your thumb, fingers or hand over the tip, firmly push the tip into the person's outer thigh until the pen clicks. The needle will go through clothing. Keep the auto-injector firmly pushed against the thigh at a 90 degree angle. Hold it for 3 seconds, pull the EpiPen straight out of the leg, make sure not to pull out of an angle as this could cause a lot of pain and bleeding. If blood comes out the drug may also come out and reduce its' effectiveness. Rub the area for about 10 seconds, just to help drug absorption within the muscle of the leg. A second EpiPen may be administered if the symptoms continue or recur and there is a delay in EMS response of more than 5 to 10 minutes. The person will often feel relieved from the tightness in the throat or airway fairly quickly. It's often normal for the person to experience side effects from the epinephrine. They may include: a fast or pounding heart, shakiness, feeling of anxiety, dizziness and a headache. Once an EpiPen has been administered: make note of the time that it was used if possible and be sure it's given to the medical professionals upon their arrival.
Epinephrine is the first line of defense when it comes to treating anaphylaxis. And the sooner it's administered, the less severe the allergic reaction.
Remember, anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at the same time within mere minutes of the allergen coming into contact with the body.
Anaphylaxis can cause the body's blood vessels to suddenly dilate, which can lead to anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure resulting in organs like the brain quickly becoming oxygen starved. Anaphylactic shock will cause death if not treated.
People with a history of allergic reactions should always carry an epinephrine pen. Pens are single dose, pre-filled, automatic injection devices, also known as epi pens.
The following instructions are specifically for Epi Pen brand. If you're using a different brand of epi pen, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pro Tip #1: Any time an epi pen is used, be sure to call 911 and activate EMS. The person, even if feeling better, must seek further medical attention after a severe allergic reaction.
Warning: Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the tip of the pen; you may accidentally inject yourself while treating the patient.
Warning: Make sure you don't pull the pen out at an angle. This can cause a lot of pain and bleeding. And if blood comes out of the leg, there's a good chance the effectiveness of the shot will be reduced.
Pro Tip #2: A second epi pen may be used if symptoms persist or recur and if EMS has been delayed for more than 5 to 10 minutes.
Usually the patient will notice some airway relief pretty quickly, as the tightness in the throat begins to dissipate. There are, however, some unfortunate side effects that some patient's may experience, including:
Pro Tip #3: Once you administer an epinephrine injection, make note of the time it was delivered and tell EMS when they arrive.
Epinephrine is a drug that slows or stops the effects of anaphylaxis. If a patient is known to have an allergy that could lead to anaphylaxis, they may carry an epinephrine auto-injector (an epi pen) that can deliver a single dose of the drug.
Epinephrine devices are available in different doses, as the dose of epinephrine is based on weight – 0.15 mg for children weighing between 33 and 66 pounds, and 0.3 mg for children and adults weighing more than 66 pounds. People with a known history of anaphylaxis would be wise to carry an anaphylaxis kit containing at least two doses of epinephrine with them at all times.
Why a second dose? Because more than one dose may be needed to stop a strong anaphylactic reaction. It's important to remember that a second dose is administered only if emergency medical responders are delayed and the patient is still having signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis 5 to 10 minutes after administering the first dose.
It's important to act fast when a patient is having an anaphylactic reaction, as difficulty breathing and shock are both life-threatening conditions that could suddenly erupt. If the patient is unable to self-administer the medication, you may need to help them with the epi pen.
Only assist if/when: