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What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen?
Unintentional injection of epinephrine can easily occur when handling epinephrine auto-injectors. 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.
Can an EpiPen harm you?
Epinephrine can kill you. One woman committed suicide with epinephrine injectors. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and can trigger heart arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks.
Do you have to go to the hospital if you use an EpiPen?
Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring.
What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen?
The most common problems were 1) not holding the auto-injector in place long enough; 2) pressing the wrong end into the thigh; and 3) using too little force to inject into the thigh. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction.
What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing 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.
What happens if I use an EpiPen and don’t need it?
What to expect after using an EpiPen?
The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection. Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after they’re treated. However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. Sometimes they don’t improve hours or days later.
How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off?
The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person.
What happens if you get too much EpiPen?
If your heart is weak and you get a big enough flood of natural adrenaline, you can faint, or get a heart arrhythmia, a heart attack, or a stroke. If you get an artificially high dose (milligrams rather than tenths of a milligram) it can kill you.
What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection?
This however, is the worst-case scenario. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include temporary numbness or tingling, pain and swelling at the injection site, elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations.
What should I do if I use my EpiPen on accident?
If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure it’s stored in the correct place. Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. The thought of using an Epipen can be disconcerting however if you have a horrible allergic reaction you might be more than happy to use it!
When is the best time to use the EpiPen?
You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should seek emergency medical help immediately you use the injection. In the case of an emergency, you may not easily be able to let caregivers know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.