Are You Using Your EpiPen Correctly?

Learn how to use (and store) your EpiPen^® right

Severe allergies can mean severe reactions. There’s an easy way to get fast relief with a quick injection you can do anywhere. Knowing how to properly use an EpiPen will mean you’re ready to handle a potentially risky situation. Here’s what to know.

What is an EpiPen?

An EpiPen is an injectable device that delivers a dose of the medication epinephrine. “It’s used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and sudden, severe asthma attacks,” says Katelyn Valenti, PharmD, pharmacy manager at Geisinger.

Carrying an EpiPen is smart if you have:

A history of anaphylaxis
Severe food allergies
An allergy to insects (like bees)

What does an EpiPen do?

The medicine in an EpiPen works to stop the body’s allergic response. It causes blood vessels to narrow, which raises blood pressure. It helps relax muscles around your airway, opening the lungs. Finally, “it stops the release of chemicals called histamines that cause allergic responses in your body,” Dr. Valenti says.

Use an EpiPen at the first signs of anaphylactic shock, including:

Trouble breathing
Swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue
Hives
Dizziness
Blue lips or skin
Vomiting or diarrhea

How to use an EpiPen

Before using an EpiPen, always check the expiration date. Monitor dates closely and dispose of expired medicine.

To use an EpiPen, follow these instructions.

Remove the pen from the box.
Flip up the yellow lid and remove it from its case.
Remove the blue safety stopper from the top of the pen by pulling straight up. Don’t twist or bend.
Firmly wrap your hand around the pen.
Place the orange tip against the middle of your outer thigh at a right angle to the thigh.
Pull your arm back, swing downward and push the auto-injector into your thigh until you hear a click or pop. (You can inject through clothing.)
Wait at least 3 seconds for the medication to administer, then remove — the orange tip will extend to cover the needle.
Gently massage the injection area for 10 seconds to help with absorption.
Repeat in 5 to 15 minutes if needed. Seek medical care and call 911.

Only inject the EpiPen into the thigh. Don’t inject it anywhere else in the body.

“If administering to a child, it may be helpful to have another person hold their thigh still,” says Dr. Valenti.

How to store an EpiPen

Keep the EpiPen where it’s easily accessible, and let others know where it is. To keep your EpiPen effective, proper storage is key. Follow these steps:

Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from extreme cold or hot temperatures.
If traveling, consider an insulated case for storage.

After using your EpiPen, dispose of it properly by putting it in a puncture-proof container with a secure lid. Not sure which container to use? An empty coffee can or detergent jug works fine.

“Seal the package tight and label it as ‘SHARPS’ and ‘DO NOT RECYCLE’ to avoid the container being reopened,” Dr. Valenti says.

Better yet, you can also toss a used EpiPen into a designated sharps disposal bin.

It pays to do your homework

Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis and triggers can help you stop reactions in their tracks. And if an allergic reaction hits, knowing how to use an EpiPen properly will keep you ready to handle it.