Why are we so hesitant to use epinephrine?
I’ll point my finger at three reasons: Fear, Inaccurate Information, and Doubt
Inaccurate Information
Doubt
- LUNG – short of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough
- HEART – pale, blue, faint, weak pulse, dizzy
- THROAT – tight, hoarse, trouble breathing/swallowing
- MOUTH – significant swelling of tongue and/or lips
- SKIN – many hives over body, widespread redness
- GUT – repetitive vomiting or severe diarrhea
- OTHER – feeling something bad is about to happen, anxiety, confusion
- or a combination of mild or severe symptoms from different body areas.
- When in doubt, give epinephrine.
- Have your allergist complete the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Action Plan and commit it to memory.
- Understand the possibility of fear and doubt happening during a severe reaction so that you can recognize this feeling and quickly overcome it during a reaction.
- Stop using antihistamines to prevent or reverse anaphylaxis.
- Stay up-to-date on all allergy and anaphylaxis material.
- Train all care providers.
I can only hope that by not fearing the needle and by having accurate up-to-date information that deaths from anaphylaxis will drop. One is too many. Please do your part in educating those around you by sharing the Emergency Care Plan by FARE that is posted above, by watching the How To Use an EpiPen® video, and by sharing the tips provided. Also forward this information by email, Facebook, and/or twitter by selecting the correct button below or by copying and pasting this link.
And don’t forget! Choose Epinephrine!
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Many of these topics were discussed at the Mylan Specialty Blogger Summit. The summit, held at The Strand Hotel in New York City, was a two-day educational seminar including some of the top food allergy & anaphylaxis bloggers, cook book authors, social media experts, doctors, and people from FARE, AAFA, AANMA, NASN, and KFA.
This Importance of Carrying Two EpiPens – I accidentally injected myself with EpiPen
What is Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine? – What happens inside the body during an anaphylactic reaction.
My Thought During an Anaphylactic Reaction – What was I thinking and how did it affect the outcome?
Get up to $100 off EpiPen 2-pak – Get the latest coupon!
–I disclose in any communication made by me about EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector and/or the Mylan Specialty Blogger Summit that such communication is at my own discretion and based on my own opinion. I also disclose that my travel expenses were compensated by Mylan Specialty in exchange for evaluation and feedback on information presented during the meeting.
EpiPen®
(epinephrine) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr®
(epinephrine) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency
treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown
triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended
for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency
medical treatment after use.
Important Safety Information
EpiPen Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO
NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEIN, BUTTOCK, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental
injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have
heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease,
Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, have any other medical conditions,
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell
your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical
conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer
lasting side effects when you take the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto Injector.
The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat,
sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness,
headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially
if you rest.
Talk to your healthcare professional to see if EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is right for you.
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