epinephrine injection

What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine injection?

What is epinephrine injection?

Epinephrine injection is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens.

Epinephrine auto-injectors may be kept on hand for self-injection by a person with a history of severe allergic reaction.

Epinephrine is also used to treat exercise-induced anaphylaxis, or to treat low blood pressure that is caused by septic shock.

Epinephrine injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epinephrine injection?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• asthma;
• Parkinson's disease;
• depression or mental illness;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• diabetes.

Having an allergic reaction while pregnant or nursing could harm both mother and baby. You may need to use epinephrine during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding. Seek emergency medical attention right away after using the injection.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use epinephrine injection?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Epinephrine is injected into the skin or muscle of your outer thigh. In an emergency, this injection can be given through your clothing.

This medicine may come with a "trainer pen." The trainer pen contains no medicine and no needle. It is only for non-emergency use to practice giving yourself an epinephrine injection.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

The auto-injector device is a disposable single-use system. Use an auto-injector only one time.

Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person.

Do not use if the expiration date on the label has passed. Call your pharmacist for a new prescription.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since epinephrine is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include numbness or weakness, severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, sweating, chills, chest pain, fast or slow heartbeats, severe shortness of breath, or cough with foamy mucus.

What should I avoid while using epinephrine injection?

Accidentally injecting epinephrine into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness.

What are the possible side effects of epinephrine injection?

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• breathing problems;
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats;
• pale skin, sweating;
• nausea and vomiting;
• dizziness;
• weakness or tremors;
• headache; or
• feeling restless, fearful, nervous, anxious, or excited.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect epinephrine injection?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• asthma medicine;
• an antidepressant;
• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
• heart or blood pressure medicine;
• thyroid medication; or
• ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect epinephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about epinephrine injection.