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This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Epi E-Z Pen IM
Uses
This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, confusion, seizures.
How To Use
- Keep this product near you at all times.
- (See also Storage section).
- Talk with your doctor about when you should use this product.
- This medication is given by injection.
- Learn how to properly inject this medication in advance so you will be prepared when you actually need to use it.
- Also teach a family member or caregiver what to do if you cannot inject the medication yourself.Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you have to use epinephrine and each time you get a refill.
- Different brands of this medication have different directions for preparing the injector.
- If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Inject this medication into the thigh only, through clothing if necessary.
- To avoid injecting into a vein, always inject this medication into the front outer thigh.
- Do not inject into the buttocks.The effects of this medication are rapid but not long-lasting.
- After injecting epinephrine, seek immediate medical attention.
- Tell the healthcare professional that you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine.
- Avoid accidentally injecting this medication into your hands or areas of your body other than the thigh.
- If this occurs, tell the healthcare professional immediately.
- Discard the injector properly.The solution in this product should be clear.
- Check this product visually for particles or discoloration from time to time.
- If it has turned cloudy or pink/brown in color, do not use the product.
- Obtain a new supply.
Side Effects
- A fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or pale skin may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: irregular heartbeat, chest pain.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, vision changes, seizures, confusion.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- This product may contain sulfites.
- However, if you have a sulfite allergy, this should not be a reason for avoiding use of this medication during an emergency.
- Since epinephrine can be life-saving, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems you may experience.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart conditions (e.g., coronary artery disease, arrhythmias), high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes.The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially a rapid rise in blood pressure, with increased risk if they also have heart disease.This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Missed Dose
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and will monitor you for them after you receive epinephrine.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anti-arrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), digoxin, entacapone, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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