New Epipen Guidelines

New EpiPen Guidelines

EpiPen® have recently changed their guidelines, reducing the amount of time needed to hold the auto-injector in place after injecting from 10 seconds to 3 seconds. Some of the EpiPen auto-injectors will still have the old 10 second guideline while some will have the new 3 second guideline.

Update on the usage and safety of epinephrine auto-injectors:

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. When it happens, prompt treatment with epinephrine injections is crucial. However, there have been recent worries about the safety of using epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs), which are commonly used to treat anaphylaxis outside of medical facilities.

Some concerns involve cardiovascular issues linked to epinephrine use. But studies have shown that these problems are more likely to occur with intravenous epinephrine, not with EAIs. Accidental injections in fingers and cuts associated with EAI use, especially in children, have also been reported. However, these incidents are rare and usually don't require extensive medical attention.

Moreover, patients might receive mixed information about using expired EAIs, adding to the concerns. Despite these worries, the overall consensus is that the benefits of having and using EAIs far outweigh the risks. While legitimate concerns exist, adverse events related to EAIs are uncommon.

To address these worries and prevent EAI-related injuries, it's important to keep medical professionals, caregivers, and patients well-informed. Training can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the benefits of EAIs are maximized while minimizing potential risks. Ensuring that patients get the necessary medical attention remains a top priority.

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Information sourced from:

Posner LS, Camargo CA Jr. Update on the usage and safety of epinephrine auto-injectors, 2017. Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2017 Mar 21

Access article at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5367766/

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