Anaphylaxis
is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction
caused by contact with certain foods,
medications, insect venom or latex. Anaphylaxis can
also be caused by physical exercise.
If you've ever had anaphylaxis (also called an
anaphylactic reaction) or
you have a history of allergies or asthma, you may
have a
greater chance of having an anaphylactic
reaction. To learn whether you or your child may be
at risk of having an anaphylactic reaction, take our
risk assessment test.
You can also take our
anaphylaxis quiz to see how much you already
know about anaphylaxis
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Step One:
Remove the Epi-Pen from the carrying case.
Step two:
Grasp the Epi-Pen in your
dominant hand, placing your thumb over your fingers,
forming a fist. Do not place your thumb over either
end of the Epi-Pen - this could result in accidental
injection of the medication into the thumb.
Once Secure remove the grey safety cap on the back.
Step Three:
Firmly push the end of the Epi-Pen
with the black tip into the side of the thigh (upper
leg). When the black cap is pushed against the leg,
a needle will pop out of the device, injecting the
medication into the muscle of the thigh. The Epi-Pen
needle will be able to pierce through most types of
clothing, so pants do not need to be removed first
in an allergic emergency.
Hold the Epi-Pen device firmly
against the thigh for a total of 10 seconds while
the medication is being injected. Do not bounce the
device off of the thigh prior to this time.
Remove the Epi-Pen needle from the
leg and put the used Epi-Pen in a safe place. The
device is for single use only and cannot be used
again.
Call 911 or have another person
take you to the closest emergency room. Inform
medical authorities that you have injected yourself
with an Epi-Pen because you have experienced a
severe allergic reaction. Be as specific as possible
as to what may have caused the allergic reaction
