Epinephrine Auto-Injector

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) treats severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It may also be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. It reduces the effects of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, and throat. Call emergency services after injection. You may need additional treatment.

This medication is injected into a muscle or under the skin. The auto-injector is ready to use. You will be taught how to give it. Use it exactly as prescribed.

Call emergency services right away after giving the first dose. If another dose is needed, give the additional dose using a new auto-injector.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Pale skin, loss of color in lining of the eyelids, inner mouth, or nails
• Sweating
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. For example, do not keep it in a vehicle's glove box. Protect from light. Keep it in the outer case until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Parkinson disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• General anesthetics, such as desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for mental health conditions
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as entacapone
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Doxapram
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Levothyroxine
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Oxytocin
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Theophylline

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

Keep this medication with you at all times.

Show your family members and others where you keep this medication. Make sure that you and your family or caregiver know how to use this medication the right way before you need it. Remember to check the expiration date of your medication regularly. You should always carry 2 devices with you. Some emergencies may require an additional dose.

Always get immediate medical help after receiving a dose of this medication. This is very important. Do this even if you respond to the medication and are alert.

Call emergency services if you have trouble breathing.