How to Use an Epi Pen for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylactic shock is a potentially fatal type of reaction to an antigen such as bee venom. A good way to prevent anaphylaxis is to inject an EpiPen, which contains a solution of epinephrine prescribed by your doctor so you can administer it to yourself if you are having such a reaction.

Things You'll Need

• * EpiPen

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Instructions

• 1

  Unscrew the cap from the EpiPen case and remove the injector from the tube.

• 2

  Hold the EpiPen with the black tip pointing down and form a fist around it. Do not touch the black tip.

• 3

  Use your other hand to pull off the gray safety release.

• 4

  Position the injector with the black tip near your outer thigh.

• 5

  Swing and jab the pen into your outer thigh at a 90-degree angle until you hear a click. Remember that the EpiPen works through clothing, so you don't need to remove garments first.

• 6

  Hold firmly in that position for 10 seconds. When the window on the pen shows red, you are done.

• 7

  Remove the injector from your thigh and massage the area you injected for 10 seconds.

• 8

  Call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention. The effects of the injection wear off after about 20 minutes.

• 9

  Place the used EpiPen needle-end first into the tube of the carrying case without bending the needle. Then screw the cap back on and take it with you to the hospital.