This medication is used in emergencies to treat very
serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other
substances. Epinephrine works quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the
heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling
of the face, lips, and throat.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use provided by your pharmacist before you need to use epinephrine and
each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Keep this product near you at all times. When you
receive it and before you need to use it, check that the product comes out
of its carrying case easily. If it does not, consult your
pharmacist.
The solution in this product should be clear. From time
to time, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If it
has turned cloudy or pink/brown in color, do not use the product. Discard
and replace it.
Different brands of this medication have different
directions for preparing and using this medication. Learn ahead of time how
to properly inject this medication so you will be ready if you need to use
it. Also, make sure a family member, caregiver, or other responsible person
knows where you keep this medication and how to use it in case you cannot
inject the medication yourself. The dosage is based on your medical
condition, weight, and response to treatment.
Inject this medication into the thigh as directed by
your doctor and the manufacturer. This medication can be injected through
clothing if needed. This medication acts quickly but does not last long.
After injecting epinephrine, get medical help right away. Tell the health
care professional that you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine.
You may need another dose of epinephrine if your symptoms do not get
better, or if they return after one dose.
Avoid injecting this medication into the hands, feet,
buttocks, or areas of your body other than the thigh. If this accidentally
happens, get medical help right away. For infants and young children, be
sure to hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to
prevent injury. Discard the injector properly after use.
Fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea,
vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or
pale skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- irregular heartbeat
- signs of infection at the injection site (such as redness
that doesn't go away, warmth, swelling, or pain)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fainting
- vision changes
- seizures
- confusion
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
This product may contain sulfites. However, if you have
a sulfite allergy, you should still use this medication during an
emergency. Since epinephrine can save your life, using it is more important
than avoiding any sulfite-related problems.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart problems (such as angina, irregular heartbeat)
- high blood pressure
- thyroid disease
- diabetes
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially a rapid rise in blood pressure.
If you are pregnant, this drug can be used the same way
as if you were not pregnant.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, confusion,
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Keep the product in the carrying case/original packaging to protect from
light. Avoid extreme heat and cold (such as storing in your vehicle). From
time to time, check the expiration date and replace the unit before it
expires. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this medication
when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local
waste disposal company.