EpiPen ratings & reviews

EpiPen contains epinephrine in an auto-injector form, available in 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg strengths. Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine used to quickly deliver epinephrine via injection. It is designed as a single-use device with a combination of drug and device components, dispensed through an auto-injection route. Key inactive ingredients include sodium chloride, chlorobutanol, sodium bisulfite, water for injection, and hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH range between 2.2 and 5.0.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a muscle or under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed. It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. For example, do not keep it in a vehicle's glove box. Protect from light. Keep it in the outer case until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Pale skin, loss of color in lining of the eyelids, inner mouth, or nails
• Sweating
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Parkinson disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• General anesthetics, such as desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for mental health conditions
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as entacapone
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Doxapram
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Levothyroxine
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Oxytocin
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Call emergency services if you have trouble breathing.