Allergic reactions can arise from insect stings, from adverse reaction to foods and medications, or from environmental triggers such as pollens, dust, or chemical fumes. Bee, wasp, or hornet stings can produce rapid and potentially fatal reactions while common food triggers include nuts, eggs, and fruits. Symptoms may be mild, such as itching and hives, or severe causing life-threatening swelling of the airway, lips, and tongue.
Epinephrine can be a life-saving medication and should be given at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction. Commercially available epinephrine pens, such as EpiPen®, are simple to use.
The basic instructions for using epinephrine pens are as follows:
- Form a fist around the pen and remove the safety release cap (Figure a & b).
- Place the orange end of the pen against the outer mid-thigh (with or without clothing) (Figure c).
- Push down hard until a click is heard or felt, and hold the pen in place for 10 seconds>(Figure d).
- Remove the pen and massage the injection site for 10 seconds.
- Properly dispose of the used device in a sharps container (Figure 5e).
- Note the time of the injection.
- Seek medical care.
