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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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Predicting peanut allergy reactions - Brief Article
From Pediatrics for Parents, 9/1/01

Once a child has an allergic reaction to peanuts, she will, if exposed to peanuts again, almost certainly have additional reactions. A recent study has found that it's difficult to predict the severity of subsequent reactions.

A retrospective study of 184 young people 4 to 20 years old, found that the severity of a previous reaction did not predict how severe the next reaction would be. Two factors that increased the risk of a severe reaction are the presence of asthma and a high level of antigens against peanuts.

Forty-six percent of second reactions were more severe than the first, 20% were less severe, and the rest were about the same.

The number of body systems involved with a reaction generally increased with each subsequent episode. About one-third of all first reactions involved more than one body system, increasing to half of second reactions and 60% of third reactions. The skin was the most common body system affected in 61% of initial reactions, but in only 20% of third reactions. There were respiratory symptoms in 30% of first reactions, 46% of second reactions, and 64% of third reactions.

Children with a peanut allergy must carry an Epi-Pen at all times. It can be life saving. Make sure it isn't past its expiration date.

Family Practice News, 7/15/01.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Pediatrics for Parents, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group

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