If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. This can decrease blood flow to the area. Less blood flow means that less oxygen is getting to the tissue. This could cause a serious injury in rare circumstances.

What happens if you use an EpiPen by accident?

If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. This can decrease blood flow to the area. Less blood flow means that less oxygen is getting to the tissue. This could cause a serious injury in rare circumstances.

Why does my leg hurt after EpiPen?

Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. B12 injections or vaccinations), there’s a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. Then there’s a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle.

Can you OD on EpiPen?

Symptoms of an epinephrine overdose may include numbness or weakness, severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, sweating, chills, chest pain, fast or slow heartbeats, severe shortness of breath, or cough with foamy mucus.

Why should you call 911 when epinephrine is given?

For example, epinephrine could cause a heart attack in someone with heart disease. This is because it speeds up the heart rate and raises blood pressure.

What happens if you take EpiPen but don’t need it?

An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling.

How long do EpiPen side effects last?

Brown, studies have shown there is “epinephrine in your system for at least 6 hours. It’s at a higher level for about an hour, and it peaks around 5 minutes.

How long do you hold EpiPen in thigh?

Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it “clicks.” The click signals that the injection has started. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3).

Why is epinephrine injected in the thigh?

As opposed to the upper arm, the thigh muscle is one of the body’s largest muscles with more blood supply, so it allows much faster absorption of the medication. The outer thigh, versus the front of the thigh, is recommended because it provides a skin area with thinner tissue and less fat.

What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it?

What happens if you use an EpiPen and don’t go to the hospital?

Use your EpiPen at the first sign of anaphylaxis. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen.

Can an EpiPen go through jeans?

It should not be injected into your hands, fingers, feet, buttock, vein, or any other part of your body. Seek immediate medical attention in the case of an accidental injection. It can be administered while wearing pants. Contrary to popular belief, the EpiPen injection can be delivered through clothing.

What does an EpiPen do to a healthy person?

Epinephrine works quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.