How to use an Epipen

Due to the fact that I was going into anaphylactic shock this past weekend, I had to use my Epipen for the first time.  I was surprised at how it worked.  I’ve been carrying an Epipen for years, so I knew to take the pen out of the tube, and then to take the top off and then shoot the pen part into my thigh hard and hold it for 10 seconds.  The part that surprised me was that you take the CAP part off of the Epipen, not the pen part.  I probably wasted 20 seconds figuring this out.  And that was 20 scary seconds of not being able to breathe.  (At least I had called 911 and new the rescue squad was on its way!)

I was also given some very valuable information that you should always have two Epipens available, because if you are at a place where 911 can’t get to you in 1/2 hour after using the first Epipen, you should use your second Epipen.  (Note, this is not official medical advice-always talk to your doctor.)

Hope this helps!

So here are links to how to use the Epipen:

http://www.epipen.com/pdf/ord.fm.pdf for written directions

http://www.epipen.com/howtouse.aspx for a video on how to use an Epipen