If you or your child has a severe food allergy or risk of anaphylaxis, an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) can be a lifesaving emergency medicine.

The most important thing is not simply having an EpiPen—it is knowing when and how to use it.

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, and delaying treatment can be dangerous.

When Should You Use an EpiPen?

Use epinephrine promptly when a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis is suspected, according to your doctor's emergency action plan.

Warning signs may include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Swelling of the tongue or throat

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

• Fainting, dizziness or severe weakness

• Severe or rapidly progressing allergic symptoms

• Multiple body systems affected, such as hives plus vomiting or breathing problems

When in doubt, follow your personalised allergy emergency plan.

How to Use an EpiPen

1. Remove the EpiPen from its carrier.

2. Hold it firmly in your fist with the orange tip pointing downward. Keep your thumb and fingers away from the tip.

3. Remove the blue safety release.

4. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh. It can generally be given through clothing if necessary.

5. Push firmly until it clicks and hold it in place as instructed for your device. Current EpiPen instructions specify holding for 3 seconds.

After Using the EpiPen: Call for Help

Epinephrine first. Emergency help immediately after.

In India, call 112 for emergency assistance or 108 for ambulance services where available.

Tell the emergency team that epinephrine has been given for suspected anaphylaxis.

Do not allow the person to walk around. Keep them lying down if possible; if breathing is difficult, allow them to sit with legs extended, and if vomiting or unconscious, position them safely on their side.

Even if symptoms improve, emergency medical assessment is still required because symptoms can return.

How Should You Store an EpiPen?

• Keep it at room temperature as specified by the manufacturer.

• Protect it from excessive heat and direct sunlight.

• Do not refrigerate or freeze it.

• Do not leave it inside a hot car.

• Check the expiry date regularly.

• Inspect the solution through the viewing window; follow the manufacturer's instructions if it appears discoloured or contains particles.

How Should You Carry It?

Carry your prescribed epinephrine with you wherever you go.

For people at risk of anaphylaxis, doctors commonly recommend having two doses available, because a second dose may sometimes be needed or the first device may not work as expected.

Keep your EpiPens accessible at school, work, travel and outdoor activities. Never leave them in checked luggage or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EpiPen the same as an antihistamine?
No. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Antihistamines do not replace epinephrine in a severe reaction.

Can an EpiPen be injected through clothing?
Yes, EpiPen can generally be administered through clothing if necessary.

Should I carry two EpiPens?
If your doctor has prescribed two, carry both together. A second dose may be required in some emergencies.

What if symptoms improve after the EpiPen?
Still seek emergency medical care. Symptoms can return after initially improving.

Can I keep my EpiPen in the car?
No. Extreme heat and cold can damage epinephrine. Keep it with you in a suitable protective carrier instead.

Final Thoughts

An EpiPen is not a medicine to keep at home “just in case.” For someone at risk of anaphylaxis, it should be accessible and ready to use.

Know when to use it, how to use it, where you keep it and how to call for help.

Practice with a trainer and make sure family members, teachers, caregivers and close friends know the emergency plan too.

Allergy Central, Indiranagar, Bengaluru — your one-stop destination for allergy and asthma solutions.

For food allergy assessment, anaphylaxis preparedness, emergency action planning and guidance on carrying and using epinephrine, consult the team at Allergy Central, Indiranagar, Bengaluru.