epipen peptides FAQ

Epinephrine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in the outer case in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not refrigerate.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if epinephrine is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

The most common side effects of epinephrine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

If you or someone else has used too much epinephrine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Do not use epinephrine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not share epinephrine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep epinephrine out of the reach of children. There are multiple forms of epinephrine available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. Epinephrine should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh. Hold the thigh in place while using epinephrine. Injecting it into other parts of the body can cause serious injury. Always get medical help right away after using epinephrine. Always inspect epinephrine before using it. As this medicine is only used during an emergency, it is a good idea to check it every few months to make sure it is still usable. The liquid inside the injection device can be seen through a small window and should be clear and colorless. If it is colored, cloudy, or contains small particles, do not use it. It should be replaced. As it is not possible to know when an allergic reaction might happen, epinephrine should always be available, including at home, work, school, and during other activities. Make sure that family, friends, caretakers, teachers, co-workers, or anyone else who may be able to help during an emergency knows where your epinephrine is stored and how to use it. Trainer versions of epinephrine injector devices are available to help people learn how to use the medicine before an emergency occurs. The trainer does not have a needle or any medicine. It is important to not confuse the trainer with the real medicine during an emergency. Training devices come in a different color than the devices that contain medicine. These devices also say TRAINER on the front. Epinephrine injection devices contain a needle and should not be thrown away in the trash. Instead, they should be thrown away in a sharps container. Ask your health care provider if you need help safely throwing away used or expired epinephrine. People who are over the age of 65 can be at greater risk of some side effects from epinephrine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before or after using epinephrine.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should talk to their health care provider before using epinephrine. If you are having a severe allergic reaction, you should still use epinephrine even if you have an allergy to it or any of the ingredients below.

Epinephrine is used for the treatment of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is used only during emergencies. Anyone using epinephrine should seek medical care right away. Epinephrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. See also: Auvi-Q, Neffy, Epinephrine inhaled

Allergic reactions can cause many different symptoms, including very low blood pressure, skin reactions (such as a rash or hives), and swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue that can make it hard to breathe. Epinephrine acts on certain receptors in the body called alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. This causes the blood vessels to narrow (which can increase blood pressure), opens the airways, and reduces swelling. This can help to relieve symptoms of serious allergic reactions while seeking medical care.

While less common, the most serious side effects of epinephrine are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Injection Site Reactions. Epinephrine should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh. Injecting epinephrine into any other parts of the body can cause serious side effects and even permanent damage. If epinephrine is accidentally injected into any other parts of the body, get medical help right away. Skin Infections. Epinephrine may cause an infection at the place where it is injected. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a skin infection at the injection site.

There are no known interactions between epinephrine and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect epinephrine.

Epinephrine is used during emergencies only. Always get medical help right away after using a dose of epinephrine.

Common side effects of EpiPen include:

Epinephrine auto injectors are used for emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including

Autoinjector: 0.15 mg/0.3 ml, 0.3 mg/0.3 ml