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Epi-pen

EpiPen is the brand name of the most common type of autoinjector of epinephrine (i.e. adrenaline). Because they can be self-administered and are very fast-acting, EpiPens are commonly carried by persons with severe allergies and a risk of anaphylactic shock. In the US and the UK, EpiPens are regulated medical devices and require a prescription. more...

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The standard dosage of epinephrine which is supplied by an EpiPen is 0.3ml of 1 in 1000 Parts (0.3mg). Child-sized dosages (0.15mg) are available as the EpiPen JR. In the US, EpiPen JR is recommended for children 33-66 lbs., while in Canada it is recommended for children up to 33 lbs. (15 kg). Consult your child's doctor to determine when your child should switch from EpiPen JR. to EpiPen.

The EpiPen contains a spring-loaded needle that shoots out of the tip and into the recipient's body to deliver the medication. The carrying tube that the pen comes in is easily broken; however, several companies sell durable replacement carrying tubes.

The EpiPen usually has a shelf life of about 12 months, or until the contents contain a precipitate or discolor. Once this occurs, the EpiPen should be discarded if unused by returning it to your local drugstore, pharmacy or hospital for safe disposal.

Despite being trademarked, common usage of the word "epipen" is drifting toward the generic context of any autoinjector.

Usage notes

  • Follow the emergency instructions in the kit.
  • Do not remove the locking cap until ready to use the injector.
  • The thigh is the recommended injection site.
  • DO NOT inject into the buttocks or intravenously.
  • Hold in place for 10-15 seconds to allow time for the auto-injection to complete.
  • Seek immediate medical attention regardless of the use of the EpiPen.
  • Adults may need a second epi-pen to be administered, but if administered too soon after the first, this can cause the heart to beat too fast.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


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Liable to get stung?
From Nursing, 5/1/03 by Brooke, Penny Simpson

EMERGENCY CARE

Because I'm an RN, my next-door neighbor recently asked if I'd be willing to give her 7-year-old daughter an epinephrine injection if she needed it. (She's highly allergic to bee stings.) She said the child won't give herself an injection. My neighbor is afraid to do it because the one time she tried, she was so nervous that she hurt the child quite a bit.

I'd be happy to give the injection if I'm home, but I'm wondering about liability if something goes wrong. Should I agree to give the needed shot if I'm available or tell my neighbor not to call me? I wouldn't want the girl to get the antidote too late just because I'm worried about liability.--G.N., TEX. Most states have laws that protect care providers in emergencies, so if a neighbor's child is highly reactive to bee stings, you're probably safe in administering epinephrine if she's stung.

However, agreeing in advance to give the shot could change the nature of the situation from "emergency" to "preplanned," so Good Samaritan laws might not apply. To be safe, check with your liability insurance carrier and ask for a written response. If you wouldn't be covered, tell your neighbor that if her daughter gets stung, she must give the injection and call 911.

No matter what the legal situation, impress on your neighbor that she must learn to give the drug herself because a bee sting could threaten her daughter's life and you won't always be available to help. Emphasize how easy an Epi-Pen is to use and encourage her to contact the child's primary care provider for practice samples without medication so she can get comfortable with the technique.

Penny Simpson Brooke is a professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing in Salt Lake City. She's also on the board of directors and president of the foundation of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys.

Copyright Springhouse Corporation May 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

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