EpiPen

EpiPen
Each autoinjector contains 2 mL Epipen (Epinephrine) injection 1:1,000 and is designed to deliver a single dose of Epipen (Epinephrine) 0.3 mg. Each mL contains Epipen (Epinephrine) 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sodium chloride 6 mg, sodium metabisulfite 1.67 mg, and hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.

Epipen Jr
Each autoinjector contains 2 mL Epipen (Epinephrine) injection 1:2,000 and is designed to deliver a single dose of Epipen (Epinephrine) 0.15 mg. Each mL contains Epipen (Epinephrine) 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sodium chloride 6 mg, sodium metabisulfite 1.67 mg, and hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause palpitations (rapid and strong heart beat); it may cause shakiness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

The recommended dose of Epipen (Epinephrine) is based on your body weight. The usual dose for children and adults who weigh 30 kg or more is 0.3 mg. For children who weigh 15 kg to 30 kg, the dose is 0.15 mg. For children who weigh less than 15 kg, other forms of Epipen (Epinephrine) may be prescribed.

The medication is injected into the thigh with use of a special automatic device that resembles a pen. To use the pen, first remove it from the carton. Holding the device with the orange tip pointing down, remove the blue safety cap by pulling it straight up. Do not bend or twist the cap. Removing the safety cap activates the pen. Jab the tip of the pen against the thigh and hold it there for 10 seconds. This will activate the plunger and the needle will be pushed into the thigh muscle to inject a dose of Epipen (Epinephrine). There will be some solution remaining in the pen after injection. Seek immediate medical attention at the same time. If your symptoms have not improved within 10 minutes, use another dose if you have a second pen.

It is important to use Epipen (Epinephrine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is also important to know how to use the pen properly. Improperly holding the device or removing the safety cap can prevent the device from working properly. If you are not sure, how to properly use the device, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for a demonstration.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

The pen should be stored in its original tube (to protect it from light) at room temperature. Do not use it if the solution is brown or has particles in it. Keep Epipen (Epinephrine) out of the reach of children.

Epipen (Epinephrine) should not be used by anyone who is allergic to Epipen (Epinephrine) or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Epipen (Epinephrine) and any of the following:

• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• Atomoxetine
• beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol)
• Bromocriptine
• Cabergoline
• certain antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, tripelennamine, Chlorpheniramine)
• caffeine
• cannabis
• cocaine
• decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
• decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• digoxin
• dipivefrin
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Furosemide)
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, ergonovine)
• fast-acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline)
• hyaluronidase
• Levothyroxine
• Linezolid
• long-acting bronchodilators (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
• medications used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide)
• Methylphenidate
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• Nabilone
• norepinephrine
• phenothiazines (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Perphenazine, Prochlorperazine)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Spironolactone
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Nortriptyline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Epipen (Epinephrine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Epipen (Epinephrine).

Accidental injection: If Epipen (Epinephrine) is accidentally injected into areas such as the hands or feet, go to the nearest emergency room for treatment. Epipen (Epinephrine) should only be injected into the thigh.

Asthma: People who have asthma may experience difficulty breathing after using Epipen (Epinephrine). If you have asthma, ensure that you inform any emergency professionals that you have asthma and have used Epipen (Epinephrine). Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epipen (Epinephrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: People with diabetes may experience a temporary increase in blood glucose level after using Epipen (Epinephrine). If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Epipen (Epinephrine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epipen (Epinephrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Be sure to tell any emergency professionals that you have diabetes and that you have used Epipen (Epinephrine).

Glaucoma: The symptoms of glaucoma can be made worse when Epipen (Epinephrine) is used. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Epipen (Epinephrine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epipen (Epinephrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease: Epipen (Epinephrine) has many effects throughout the body. It narrows the blood vessels, which in turn can increase blood pressure, heart rate and possibly cause irregular heartbeat. If you have heart disease, including high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat or are taking medications that increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat (e.g., Digoxin, Amiodarone, Sotalol, procainamide), or have an overactive Thyroid, these conditions can be made worse for a short period of time, by using Epipen (Epinephrine). Discuss with your doctor how Epipen (Epinephrine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epipen (Epinephrine) and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Be sure to tell any emergency professionals if you have any of these conditions and that you have used Epipen (Epinephrine).

Medical attention: Since the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction may return after using Epipen (Epinephrine), it is important to get immediate medical attention after using it. You should be close to a hospital or emergency medical help for at least 24 hours after the start of your allergic reaction.

Parkinson's Disease (PD): People with PD may experience temporarily worsened symptoms of PD after using Epipen (Epinephrine).

Pregnancy: Epipen (Epinephrine) should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.

This medication must be easily accessible at any time. This product is injected by an auto-injector system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using the injector. If necessary, ask your pharmacist to review the procedure with you. The effects of the injection do not last long. If an allergic reaction occurs, inject yourself immediately and call 911 or the emergency room of the nearest hospital. After the injection, reinsert the used injector into its carrying tube, needle first. Make sure it is disposed of safely.