
Allergies: Giving Yourself an Epinephrine Shot

Allergies: Giving Yourself an Epinephrine Shot


Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. If you have had a severe allergic reaction in the past, you know how frightening it can be. Symptoms of breathing problems, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. Giving yourself an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. That's why it is important to have epinephrine with you at all times and to know the right way to use it: it could save your life someday.

How To

How to give yourself an epinephrine shot

  1. Your epinephrine injector may have a black or orange tip. Grasp the epinephrine shot injector in one fist with the black (or orange) tip pointing down. Do not touch the tip.
  3. Hold the black or orange tip close to your outer thigh. Swing and jab the tip firmly into your outer thigh. Jab through clothing if you must, but bare skin is best. The injector should go straight into your skin, at a 90-degree angle to your thigh. Do not give the shot into a buttock or a vein.
  4. Keep the injector in your outer thigh for 10 seconds. Note: It is normal for most of the liquid to be left in the injector. Do not try to inject the remaining liquid.
  5. Remove the injector, and place your hand on the area where the medicine entered your skin. Rub the area for about 10 seconds.
  6. Put the used injector, needle-end first, into the storage tube that comes with your injector. Do not bend the needle. Screw on the cap of the storage tube. Bring the used injector with you to the emergency room.

The shot does not replace the need to be seen by a doctor. After giving yourself a shot, seek emergency care. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can return or get worse after an epinephrine shot.




By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Current as of March 12, 2014
Healthwise Index

