Seek emergency medical help, even if you feel better. The reaction can return. State that anaphylaxis has occurred.
눕
2. Lie Down and Stay Calm
Lie flat with your legs elevated. If breathing is difficult, sit up. Do not stand up or walk suddenly. This helps maintain blood flow.
⏱️
3. Note the Time
Make a mental or physical note of the time the EpiPen was administered. Tell the paramedics when they arrive.
A second dose may be needed if symptoms persist or return after 5-15 minutes. Always carry two auto-injectors.
What is Happening in Your Body
The EpiPen delivers a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), a hormone that kickstarts your body's "fight-or-flight" response to counteract the allergic reaction. Its primary jobs are to relax the muscles in your airways to help you breathe, constrict blood vessels to increase blood pressure, and reduce swelling.
It's normal to feel the effects of the adrenaline. You may experience a pounding heartbeat, shakiness, sweating, or feelings of anxiety. These are signs the medicine is working and are temporary. The reason you must go to the ER is because of the risk of a "biphasic reaction," where symptoms return hours after the initial reaction seems to have resolved.
How to Use an EpiPen Correctly
Remember the phrase: "Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh."
Form a fist around the auto-injector with the orange tip pointing down.
With your other hand, pull off the blue safety release cap by pulling straight up.
Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh. You can inject through clothing if necessary.
Push down firmly until you hear or feel a "click". This signals the injection has started.
Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds. Count slowly: 1... 2... 3.
Remove the injector from the thigh. The orange tip will extend to cover the needle.
Massage the injection area for 10 seconds to help disperse the medicine.
Timeline of Epinephrine's Effects
This chart shows the typical concentration and effect of epinephrine in the body after an injection. While it starts working almost immediately, its effects begin to wear off after 20-30 minutes, which is why emergency care is critical.
Common Side Effects
These are temporary effects caused by the adrenaline and usually subside as the medication wears off. Click on each to learn more.
Epinephrine directly stimulates the heart to pump more forcefully and quickly, helping to raise your blood pressure from the dangerously low levels caused by anaphylaxis.
The hormone increases alertness and readies your muscles for action, which can manifest as shakiness or a jittery feeling. This is a very common and expected effect.
Adrenaline is the body's "alert" hormone. The sudden rush can make you feel anxious, restless, or nervous, similar to being startled or frightened.
Epinephrine rapidly changes your blood pressure and constricts blood vessels, which can lead to a temporary feeling of dizziness or a headache.
The drug directs blood flow away from the skin and towards vital organs like the heart and lungs, which can cause paleness. It also activates sweat glands as part of the body's stress response.
