Epipen

GENERIC NAME: EPINEPHRINE (ep-i-NEF-rin)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a sympathomimetic used for treating severe allergic reactions (eg, difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; tightness in the chest; severe dizziness; swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue) caused by insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, or other causes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. AN EXTRA PATIENT LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. This medicine may be given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE AT HOME, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use this medicine. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions. CHECK THIS MEDICINE regularly. Replace this medicine if the expiration date has passed, if it contains particles or is discolored (pink or darker than slightly yellow), or if it is cracked or damaged in any way. If this medicine has been dropped, inspect it for damage or leakage and replace if necessary. INJECT THIS MEDICINE only into the outer thigh as directed by your health care provider. Do not inject into the buttocks or into a vein. GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM immediately after use. You may need further medical attention. Tell the doctor or health care provider that you have received an injection of epinephrine. Show the thigh where the injection was given to the doctor. Give your used auto-injector to the doctor for inspection and proper disposal. This medicine is usually given in an emergency situation. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO USE THIS MEDICINE, seek medical attention immediately. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store in the carrying case provided, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not refrigerate or freeze. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, seek immediate medical attention.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. NEVER PUT THUMB, FINGERS, OR HAND OVER THE TIP of the auto-injector. Do NOT remove the cap until ready to use. ONLY INJECT THIS MEDICINE INTO the outer thigh. NEVER INJECT THIS MEDICINE INTO hands, fingers, feet, or toes. Doing so may cause a loss of blood flow and result in tissue damage to these areas. If you accidentally inject this medicine into any of these areas, seek immediate emergency medical attention. IT MAY BE HELPFUL TO TRAIN OTHERS how to give this medicine in case you are unable to give it yourself during a reaction. PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms (eg, uncontrolled muscle movements). If these symptoms persist, contact your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. USE THIS MEDICINE WITH CAUTION IN THE ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you use this medicine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby. DIABETES PATIENTS - This medicine may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur or persist, tell your doctor right away.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness; feeling anxious, nervous, or fearful; headache; nausea; paleness; restlessness; shakiness or weakness; sweating; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; or wheezing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of side effects. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking alpha-blockers (eg, prazosin), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), droxidopa, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), bromocriptine, furazolidone, linezolid, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), digoxin, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), levothyroxine, medicines for irregular heartbeat (eg, quinidine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), or guanethidine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including heart disease, chest pain, high blood pressure, blood vessel problems, diabetes, Parkinson disease, thyroid problems, mood or mental disorders (eg, depression), asthma, irregular heartbeat, allergies (including sulfites), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

OVERDOSE: IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, confusion, extreme paleness or coldness of the skin, fast or irregular heartbeat, one-sided weakness, severe headache or dizziness, slurred speech, trouble breathing, or vision problems.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.