How To Use Epinephrine

Epinephrine comes in the form of a prefilled automatic injection device that contains a single dose for subcutaneous injection (under the skin) or intramuscular injection (into a muscle). It should be injected in the middle or outer part of the thigh. This medicine can be injected through clothing, if necessary. 

Do not inject the medicine into any other part of the body, such as the buttocks, hands, or feet, or into a vein. Seek emergency medical treatment if you accidentally inject epinephrine anywhere except the thigh. If you are giving epinephrine to a young child, hold their leg firmly in place to prevent movement before and during the injection. Do not put your fingers, thumb, or hand over the needle of the automatic injection device. 

Epinephrine should be used at the first sign of an allergic reaction. Symptoms of serious allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis (airway closing), wheezing, hoarseness, sneezing, skin rash, skin redness, hives, itching, swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or hands, weak pulse, fast heartbeat, confusion, anxiety, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of bowel or bladder control, fainting, and seizures. Ensure you can recognize the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction as well as when to inject epinephrine.

Read the prescription label carefully and use epinephrine exactly as prescribed. Do not use a higher or lower dose or use the drug other than as advised by your healthcare provider.

Read the patient information leaflet and make sure you understand the correct use of the prefilled automatic injection device. Your doctor or pharmacist can also show you and your caregivers how to use this device. You can also obtain training devices to practice (these training devices do not have a needle and do not contain medication). 

Always keep two automatic injection devices easily accessible at all times. Most epinephrine injection devices contain a single dose of the medicine. You may need to use more than one dose to treat a severe life-threatening allergic reaction if your symptoms do not improve or come back after the first injection. Make sure you understand when to use a second dose. You should not use more than two doses of epinephrine to treat a single episode of an allergic reaction - only healthcare professionals can do so.

Make a note of the expiry date on the injection device and replace it before the medicine expires. Visually inspect the solution in the injection device periodically and make sure there are no particles in it and it is not discolored. If you see particles floating in the solution or it has turned a pinkish or darker yellow color, contact your healthcare provider immediately for a replacement. The drug may not be effective if it has particles or is discolored.

Remember that epinephrine injection is for emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions; however, it is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. After injecting epinephrine, seek medical care. 

It is common to see some remaining medicine in the injection device after a dose. This does not indicate that you received less than the full dose. You don’t need to take another dose if this is the case. Keep the used injection device to show to the emergency department physicians. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the safe disposal of used epinephrine injections.

Missed dose: Epinephrine administration is done as needed to treat a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Storage: Store epinephrine prefilled automatic injection devices at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in their original container, tightly closed. Do not store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not leave the medicine in your car, where it can be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Do not store medications in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets. If you drop a prefilled automatic injection device, check to make sure it is not damaged. Request a replacement if you notice a crack or leakage.

Unused medicine: Unused or expired epinephrine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw epinephrine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded epinephrine is through your local waste disposal company or a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on epinephrine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about epinephrine, talk to your healthcare professionals for medical advice.

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