Frequently Asked Questions
The epinephrine auto-injector is used to treat life-threatening allergic emergencies, including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for, or have a history of serious allergic emergencies. Use of an epinephrine auto-injector must be followed by emergency medical care.
What are some of the allergic reactions that can cause anaphylaxis and require the use of an epinephrine auto-injector?
What are some of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?
*These are just some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Please check the Patient Information Leaflet or ask your healthcare provider for all of the symptoms.
If anaphylaxis is a risk, should my child keep an epinephrine auto-injector at school?
Does the epinephrine auto injector deliver the same medicine as other epinephrine auto-injectors?
Can I travel with my epinephrine auto-injector?
After I used my epinephrine auto-injector, I still see medicine remaining in my epinephrine auto-injector. Did I get my dose?
What should I do after I have received my dose?
Does my epinephrine auto-injector expire?
Can I reuse my epinephrine auto-injector?
Why is the epinephrine auto-injector available in 2 dosage strengths?
Are Trainer devices available for the epinephrine auto-injector?
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive
therapy and is not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of
epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of
epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision.
Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector should ONLY be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Do not
inject intravenously. Do not inject into buttock. Do not inject into fingers, hands or feet. Instruct caregivers to
hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection to minimize the risk of injection
related injury.
Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with
cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In such patients, or in patients who
are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris
as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported
in patients with underlying cardiac disease or those receiving certain drugs. Patients who receive epinephrine
while concomitantly taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics or anti-arrhythmics should be observed carefully for the
development of cardiac arrhythmias. Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with
hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice
a temporary worsening of symptoms.
Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by
Clostridia, have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Advise patients
to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector?
- Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector contains epinephrine, a medicine used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise or other unknown causes. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- trouble breathing
- wheezing
- hoarseness (changes in the way your voice sounds)
- hives (raised reddened rash that may itch)
- severe itching
- swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue
- skin rash, redness, or swelling
- fast heartbeat
- weak pulse
- feeling very anxious
- confusion
- stomach pain
- losing control of urine or bowel movements (incontinence)
- diarrhea or stomach cramps
- dizziness, fainting, or “passing out” (unconsciousness).