An EpiPen is an epinephrine/adrenaline auto-injector used to treat severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by different allergies, including food, venom, and drug allergies. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal and is considered a "treat first, then call for help" medical emergency. A single dose of epinephrine/adrenaline, properly administered, is extremely low risk. Proper, timely use of an EpiPen can save a person's life. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen, keep it within reach at all times.

It would be best if you familiarise yourself with the steps required to administer your EpiPen. Once you inject epinephrine into the muscle, it can stop the severe acute allergic reaction symptoms. However, people experiencing anaphylaxis should still call the local emergency services after using an EpiPen.

Read on to learn how to use an auto-injector if you or someone else is experiencing anaphylaxis.

Identify the symptoms

Anaphylaxis can occur when a person is accidentally exposed to a known allergen, but it also can occur when a person is exposed to an allergen for the first time. It is also possible to become sensitized to an allergen, that is, to develop allergies to things that previously did not cause a reaction. In some cases the reaction can be so severe it can be life-threatening. Look for the following symptoms:

• Flushing of the skin

• Rash on the body

• Swelling of the throat and mouth

• Difficulty swallowing and speaking

• Severe asthma

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Drop in blood pressure

• Collapse and unconsciousness

• Confusion, dizziness or an "impending sense of doom"

Ask the person if they need help using their EpiPen

Anaphylaxis is considered a 'treat first' emergency. If the person knows they need an injection and can inject themselves, ensure they do so before calling emergency services. If they need you to inject them, the instructions for the EpiPen are printed on the side of the device.

Even if the person feels fine after injecting epinephrine/adrenaline, it's still imperative to have professional help as soon as possible. The EpiPen will only last for as long as it takes emergency services to reach you.

Always have your country's emergency number on your phone. In the U.S. and Canada, the emergency number is 911. In the UK, 999 is the main emergency number. In Australia, dial Triple Zero (000). The emergency number that is internationally recognized is 112 and you will be connected to the local emergency services.

Tell the operator your location before anything else, so help can be sent immediately. Describe the condition and the emergency to the operator.

Using the EpiPen

Each EpiPen Auto-Injector will have clear and visible instructions on the side. Hold the EpiPen firmly with your fist in the middle. Do not put any part of your hand over either end to avoid an accidental trigger. An EpiPen is a single-use device; once it is triggered it cannot be re-used.

• Avoid placing your finger over either end to avoid accidentally triggering the device.

• Pull off the blue activation cap (opposite end from the orange tip that holds the needle).

Inject into the mid-outer-thigh. There is no need to remove clothing to use an EpiPen, but make sure the orange end will not hit buckles, zips, buttons or thick seams on your clothes. Place the orange tip against the thigh and push firmly. There should be a click once the needle has entered the thigh.

• Hold for several seconds (3 to 10 seconds depending on the instructions).

• Do not inject in any other place than the thigh. Accidental intravenous injections of adrenaline can lead to death.

Remove the unit and massage the injection area for 10 seconds. Check the tip. The orange needle cover should automatically cover the injection needle once the EpiPen is removed from the thigh.

When you give a person an EpiPen, it may cause them to feel panicked or paranoid, and can also cause their body to shake uncontrollably. This is NOT a seizure. The shaking will subside over the next few minutes or hours. Don't freak out; just try to be calm and reassuring. Your calm will help to settle the person.

Get to the emergency room immediately! 20% of acute anaphylaxis episodes are quickly followed by another crisis, called biphasic anaphylaxis. Once you have administered or received the EpiPen, you should be seen by a doctor without delay. The second episode might be mild or severe. If not treated, it can lead to a fatality. The second crisis happens when patients seem to have recovered. It’s important to go to the hospital even if you feel fine.

Taking Care Of An Epipen

Keep the EpiPen in its case until it is needed. The carrier tube will protect the EpiPen so that it can safely be used when needed. Keep the safety release on until you need to use the EpiPen.

Look through the viewing window. Most EpiPens have a "window" that allows you to see through the packaging to the medicine inside. The medicine should be completely clear. If it looks cloudy or otherwise discoloured, then that EpiPen has lost potency due to exposure to extreme temperatures. This can occur anytime before the expiration date. Depending on the temperature exposure and duration it may have lost significant or all of its potency. You can use it in an absolute emergency, but you should replace it as soon as possible.

Store your EpiPen at the correct temperature. Your EpiPen can be kept in temperatures between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). It should generally be stored at room temperature.

• Do not refrigerate it.

• Do not expose to extreme cold or heat.

Check the expiration date. The EpiPen has a limited life and should be replaced when the date is approaching. An expired EpiPen might not be able to save the life of a patient experiencing anaphylaxis.

If you don’t have anything else at hand, use the expired EpiPen. Degraded epinephrine loses potency but does not transform into a harmful compound. It’s always better than nothing.

Once an EpiPen has been used, it should be discarded safely. To do so, take it to a pharmacy.