Adrenalin

Generic name: Epinephrine Injection

Usage of Adrenalin

Adrenalin is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens.

Epinephrine auto-injectors may be kept on hand for self-injection by a person with a history of severe allergic reaction.

Epinephrine is also used to treat exercise-induced anaphylaxis, or to treat low blood pressure that is caused by septic shock.

Adrenalin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Adrenalin side effects

Before using epinephrine, tell your doctor if any past use of Adrenalin caused an allergic reaction to get worse.

Call your doctor at once if you notice pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or other signs of infection around the area where you gave an injection.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Adrenalin may include:

breathing problems;

fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats;

pale skin, sweating;

nausea and vomiting;

dizziness;

weakness or tremors;

headache; or

feeling restless, fearful, nervous, anxious, or excited.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Adrenalin

Before using epinephrine, tell your doctor if any past use of Adrenalin caused an allergic reaction to get worse.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease or high blood pressure;

asthma;

Parkinson's disease;

depression or mental illness;

a thyroid disorder; or

diabetes.

Having an allergic reaction while pregnant or nursing could harm both mother and baby. You may need to use epinephrine during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding. Seek emergency medical attention right away after using the injection.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to use Adrenalin

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Epinephrine is injected into the skin or muscle of your outer thigh. In an emergency, this injection can be given through your clothing.

This medicine may come with a "trainer pen." The trainer pen contains no medicine and no needle. It is only for non-emergency use to practice giving yourself an Adrenalin.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

The auto-injector device is a disposable single-use system. Use an auto-injector only one time.

Do not try to reinsert an auto-injector a second time. If the needle is bent from the first use, it may cause serious injury to your skin.

Seek emergency medical attention after any use of epinephrine. 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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not refrigerate or freeze this medicine, and do not store it in a car. Do not use Adrenalin if it has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not use if the expiration date on the label has passed. Call your pharmacist for a new prescription.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Warnings

Seek emergency medical attention after any use of epinephrine to treat a severe allergic reaction. After the injection you will need to receive further treatment and observation.

What other drugs will affect Adrenalin

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

asthma medicine;

an antidepressant;

cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

heart or blood pressure medicine;

thyroid medication; or

ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect epinephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

If someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, and all you have on hand is a recently expired EpiPen, then use it so long as it is not discolored and does not contain any particles. There is minimal risk in using a recently expired EpiPen, but the benefits are significant. But check the clear viewing window of the pen and if you notice it is discolored or contains particles then don’t use it as the solution may have oxidized, making it less effective. Continue reading

You can bring your EpiPen onto a plane – they are a common medical device and they should not cause any fuss when you are going through airport security. You can carry them in your handbag, laptop bag, or other carry-on luggage. It is a very good idea to take your EpiPen with you on the plane because the small confines of an aircraft increase your odds of being exposed to a trigger allergen while you are flying and having an anaphylactic reaction. Continue reading

Epinephrine works by activating both alpha and beta receptors found in your body in response to a severe allergy (called anaphylaxis). By acting on alpha receptors, it helps to maintain your blood pressure and heart function, and by acting on beta receptors, it relaxes your lung airways to help relieve shortness of breath and wheezing. Continue reading

Neffy is a nasal spray that contains epinephrine which may be given to treat a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children who weigh at least 30kg. It is needle-free and simple to administer. If approved, it will be the first non-injectable treatment available for people with type 1 allergies. Continue reading

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