epinephrine 0.3 mg/0.3 mL injection, auto-injector

Generic name:
Epinephrine - injection

Pronunciation
(EP-i-NEF-rin)

Brand name(s)
Auvi-Q , Epipen , Symjepi , Twinject

This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. 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.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you need to use epinephrine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this product near you at all times. When you receive it and before you need to use it, check that the product comes out of its carrying case easily. If it does not, consult your pharmacist.

The solution in this product should be clear. From time to time, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If it has turned cloudy or pink/brown in color, do not use the product. Discard and replace it.

Different brands of this medication have different directions for preparing and using this medication. Learn ahead of time how to properly inject this medication so you will be ready if you need to use it. Also, make sure a family member, caregiver, or other responsible person knows where you keep this medication and how to use it in case you cannot inject the medication yourself. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Inject this medication into the thigh as directed by your doctor and the manufacturer. This medication can be injected through clothing if needed. This medication acts quickly but does not last long. After injecting epinephrine, get medical help right away. Tell the health care professional that you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine. You may need another dose of epinephrine if your symptoms do not get better, or if they return after one dose.

Avoid injecting this medication into the hands, feet, buttocks, or areas of your body other than the thigh. If this accidentally happens, get medical help right away. For infants and young children, be sure to hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injury. Discard the injector properly after use.

Fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or pale skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• irregular heartbeat
• signs of infection at the injection site (such as redness that doesn't go away, warmth, swelling, or pain)

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• fainting
• vision changes
• seizures
• confusion

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This product may contain sulfites. However, if you have a sulfite allergy, you should still use this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can save your life, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• heart problems (such as angina, irregular heartbeat)
• high blood pressure
• thyroid disease
• diabetes

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially a rapid rise in blood pressure.

If you are pregnant, this drug can be used the same way as if you were not pregnant.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, confusion, seizures.

Do not share this medication with others.

Not applicable.

Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep the product in the carrying case/original packaging to protect from light. Avoid extreme heat and cold (such as storing in your vehicle). From time to time, check the expiration date and replace the unit before it expires. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this medication when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.