What is an EpiPen used for?

An EpiPen is an injection used to treat a dangerous life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. This condition can be triggered in people with a severe allergy to a drug, food, or other allergen to an insect bite or sting. People with this severe allergy can have reaction within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Anaphylaxis can also be caused by unknown substances or triggered by exercise. The EpiPen injection is also used to increase blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) and septic shock.

You can buy the EpiPen Adult (Epinephrine) online at My Drug Center. We currently do not have an EpiPen Adult generic alternative available.

How does the EpiPen work?

EpiPen Auto-Injectors contain the active ingredient Epinephrine, which is a hormone produced naturally by the body. Epinephrine prepares the body when extra energy or exertion is needed, making the body more able to deal with life-threatening situations; it is usually released by the adrenal gland in times of stress.

This medication is taken as needed. The Epinephrine dosage will help provide immediate relief from allergic reactions, but you should also seek medical help right away. Read all of the information that comes with EpiPen to learn how the injector works. 

Take time to teach others how to use the injector in cases where you cannot inject the medication yourself. This should be injected directly into you thigh only. Use precaution to dispose the injector safely. If you have serious allergies keep an EpiPen with you at all times. The medication is clear and should not be used if there is any discoloration.

This medication may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking the EpiPen Adult dosage. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and diabetes. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions with EpiPen.

You may feel dizzy after using this medication. Avoid driving or operating heavy duty machinery. Only perform these tasks once you feel it is safe to do so.

EpiPen contains sulfites and may cause additional allergic reactions. Speak with your doctor to understand the risk and benefit for using EpiPen in life threatening situations. 

Some EpiPen Adult side effects include:

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, nervousness, weakness, pale skin, headache, anxiety, tremors, and shaking hands that are not controllable.

Some serious EpiPen  Adult side effects include:

Increased breathing difficulty, dangerously high blood pressure, severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or seizure.

If any side effects of Epinephrine become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.

Q: What is the best dosage to take for EpiPen?

A: The adult version of the EpiPen contains enough medication to dose an adult.

Q: How long does it take for this medication to become active?

A: This will provide immediate relief of serious allergic reaction.

Q: What is the best way to store this medication?

A: This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. 

Q: How do I dispose of this medication?

A: Do not throw away this medication in wastewater. Some medication can be thrown away in dry waste, and some require a little preparation for disposal. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist to safely dispose any unwanted or experienced medication.

Q: Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Speak with your doctor about the risk associated with using this drug while pregnant. It is uncertain if this drug can pass into the breast milk of nursing mother. Consult your doctor to understand the risk in using this medication while breastfeeding.

Q: I am allergic to sulfites, should I still use EpiPen?

A: Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction you experience the EpiPen could save your life. If your sulfite allergy is not life threatening then you should speak doctor concerning the risk and benefit of using the EpiPen. 

Q: There are adult and junior versions of EpiPen, which one do I use?

A: EpiPen junior contains enough medication to dose a child who weighs between 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg). The adult version of the EpiPen has enough medication to dose someone who weighs over 66lbs (30 kg).