When you are someone who has several allergies, you may have questions regarding when you use an Epipen. You may begin to wonder what would happen when you use it without actually needing it. First and foremost, it should be noted that the thought of using an Epipen is quite scary.
What happens if you use an EpiPen without needing it?
As far as the question “what happens if you use an EpiPen without needing it?” is concerned, you are most likely to experience an increase in blood pressure. This may go on to last for a few hours as a result of the vasoconstrictive qualities of the Epipen. The Epipen can as a result of this increase in blood pressure cause quick heartbeat, and in the case that your heart is damaged or worsening cardiomegaly, this may lead to atrial flutter, which may lead to an atrial flutter which may lead to fibrillation that could collapse your heart. This could lead to a heart attack.
What Is EpiPen?
EpiPen is simply an injection that contains epinephrine which is a chemical equipped to narrow your blood vessels while also opening the lung airways. Some of these effects can reverse acute low blood pressure, severe skin itching, wheezing, hives as well as some other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
EpiPen is mainly used to handle severe allergic reactions to foods, insect stings, drugs, and some others. Epinephrine can also be used to handle exercise-related anaphylaxis. It may be kept for self-injection by an individual that has a history with allergic issues.
Important information you should note
You must go for medical attention even upon using EpiPen to handle the severe allergic issue. The effects of this condition may wear off after about 20 minutes. Therefore, you may need to receive additional treatment and observation.
Furthermore, before you make use of EpiPen a second time, ensure to inform your doctor if your first injection leads to any serious side effects like increase in breathing difficulty. You may also want to know if there are issues like high blood pressure, buzzing in the ears, chest pain, anxiety, confusion, shortness of breath and so on.
The EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is specially designed for patients who are between 33 to 66 pounds in weight. It is however not known if EpiPen Jr and EpiPen are effective and safe for children who weigh lower than 33 pounds.
What Should You Know Before You Use EpiPen?
To ensure that EpiPen is safe to use for you, ensure that you inform your doctor if you have ever suffered any of the following:
- Asthma
- Thyroid disorder
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Mental diseases
If you have an allergic reaction while you are pregnant may cause harm to both child and mother. You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should seek emergency medical help immediately you use the injection. In the case of an emergency, you may not easily be able to let caregivers know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. You should, therefore, let the doctor know you have received the medication.
What Is The Best Way To Use EpiPen?
It is important to note that the EpiPen auto-injector is a single-use disposable system. You should, therefore, follow the directions as outlined on the prescription label as well as the guides. To get the best results, you need to use the drug exactly the way it is directed.
Furthermore, ensure that you do not administer this drug to a child without first seeking medical counsel. EpiPen is usually injected into the muscle or skin of your thigh. In an emergency, the drug can be given through your clothes.
Furthermore, ensure that you do not remove the cap till you feel you are ready to use it. You should also never place your fingers above the injector tip after you must have removed the safety cap.
Tips To Use An EpiPen Auto-Injector
- Have a fist formed around the auto-injector using black tip facing down. Then remove the safety cap.
- Put the black tip against the outer thighs fleshy portion. You could also administer the injection directly via your clothing. Ensure you do not place your thumb over the end of the unit.
- Quickly pressure the injector against the thigh. This should help in the release of the spring-loaded needle which injects the epinephrine.
- Finally, have the auto-injector removed from the thigh. You should then carefully re-insert the device back into the carrying tube. You should recap the tube and carry it with you into the emergency room so that whoever treats you will be aware of how much of it you have in your system.
Ensure to go for emergency medical help after you must have used epinephrine. Its effects may wane after about 20 minutes hence the need for further treatment.
Furthermore, use an auto-injector just once after which you are to dispose of it using a puncture-proof container. Ensure that this container is kept far from the reach of pets and children.
You should also never use EpiPen after it must have changed in color nor has particles present within. Also, be on the lookout for the expiry date of the product.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of EpiPen?
Because EpiPen is usually used in cases of emergency, you may not need it on a dosing regimen. Hence, do not make use of repeated doses without the advice of your doctor.
What Happens If You Overdose?
If you overdose, it is only wise that you seek medical attention. The signs of epinephrine overdose include blurred vision, weakness, sweating, pounding in your ears, chest pain and slow heartbeats.
What Are The Things You Should Avoid?
Ensure that you do not inject EpiPen inside your vein or a muscle in your buttocks or it won’t work properly. Only inject it through the fleshy portion of the thigh. Accidentally passing EpiPen into your feet or hands could lead to blood loss flow in the areas. If this situation arises, ensure that you go for a medical emergency quickly.
What Are The Side Effects Of EpiPen?
Before you consider using EpiPen for a second time, place a call through to your doctor if the first one causes any negative reaction such as an increase in difficulty breathing. You should also call your doctor if you notice signs of warmth, pain, swelling, redness or other signs of being infected around the area you were injected.
What Are The Other Drugs That Could Affect EpiPen?
Ideally, you inform your doctor about the drugs you use as well as the ones you stop or start using during your EpiPen treatment. Some of these drugs include digoxin, levothyroxine, water pill, allergy medicine containing an antihistamine, quinidine, etc.
You may like these articles as well:
Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Lice?
Can Diabetics Drink Coke Zero?
Is Aids An Autoimmune Disease?
Conclusion
We hope we have been able to answer the question; what happens if you use an EpiPen without needing it. However, do remember to keep all drugs beyond the reach of kids. Also, ensure that you do not share your medication with other people while only using the medication strictly for what is prescribed for.
Finally, ensure that you always consult your medical caregiver to make sure that the information we have given you today is directly applicable to your situation.
