An EpiPen is an autoinjector (automatic injection device). It’s a brand-name prescription medication used in adults and some children for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Note: If you have an increased risk of severe allergic reactions, your doctor may prescribe EpiPen to always carry with you.

Drug details

EpiPen contains the active drug epinephrine, which is also called adrenaline. Epinephrine belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic receptor agonists.

The autoinjector contains a single dose of the drug for injection into the thigh.*

EpiPen comes in two strengths:

  • EpiPen: 0.3 milligrams (mg) epinephrine per 0.3 milliliters (mL) solution
  • EpiPen Jr: 0.15 mg/0.3 mL

* For information about EpiPen’s dosages, including children’s dosage, see the “EpiPen dosage” section below.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of EpiPen, see the “EpiPen use for allergic reaction” section below.

EpiPen is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug epinephrine. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in the generic form of EpiPen, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

As with all medications, the average cost of EpiPen can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Before approving coverage for EpiPen, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for EpiPen, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for EpiPen, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called Viatris’ Patient Assistance Program and EPIPEN Savings Cards are available for EpiPen. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 888-417-5782 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

EpiPen may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

EpiPen is available in a generic form called epinephrine. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of epinephrine compares to the cost of EpiPen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed EpiPen and you’re interested in epinephrine instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to use EpiPen. Then, if you have a severe allergic reaction, you’ll self-inject EpiPen, or someone else will do it for you.

Instructions for using an EpiPen can be found in the leaflet that comes with it. EpiPen also comes with a trainer autoinjector (“dummy” EpiPen). You can use it to practice giving an EpiPen injection.

An instruction video is available on the manufacturer’s website.

Where to inject

You’ll inject EpiPen into the muscle of your outer thigh. You can give the injection through clothing.

If you’re administering EpiPen to a child, it’s important to hold their leg firmly during the injection. This stops them from moving their leg and helps prevent injury. Your child’s doctor can show you how to hold their leg properly.

Here are some important points to note:

  • Do not inject EpiPen into the buttocks. EpiPen may not work to treat the allergic reaction if you inject it into the buttocks.
  • Do not inject EpiPen into the hands, fingers, feet, or toes. If you accidentally inject it in these places, get emergency medical help right away. Injecting EpiPen in these places can stop blood flow to the injected area. To help prevent an accidental injection, never put your hand, fingers, or thumb over the orange end of the EpiPen.
  • Do not inject EpiPen into a vein. This could cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, which can lead to life threatening bleeding in the brain. EpiPen should be given through the skin into the muscle of the outer thigh.

When to use

Your doctor will explain when to use EpiPen. Typically, you’ll give the injection as soon as symptoms of a severe allergic reaction start.* Your doctor will likely recommend to always keep your EpiPen with you in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Note: It’s important to get emergency medical help right after injecting EpiPen. This is because the allergic reaction could come back and you may need further treatment. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away or go to the nearest emergency room.

* To learn more about the use of EpiPen, see the “EpiPen use for allergic reaction” section below.

Accessible labels and containers

Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

The following information describes EpiPen and EpiPen Jr doses that are typically used or recommended for severe allergic reactions. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

EpiPen comes as an autoinjector (automatic injection device) containing a single dose of medication.

The autoinjector is used to inject the drug into the thigh. You’ll self-inject EpiPen, or someone else can administer it for you. For details, see the “How to use EpiPen” section above.

EpiPen comes in two strengths:

  • EpiPen: 0.3 milligrams (mg) epinephrine per 0.3 milliliters (mL) solution
  • EpiPen Jr: 0.15 mg/0.3 mL

Dosage for allergic reaction for adults

For adults weighing at least 30 kilograms (kg), the recommended dose to treat a severe allergic reaction is 0.3 mg. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb) so 30 kg is about 66 lb.

EpiPen delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg with one injection. It comes in a pack of two autoinjectors. Your doctor will likely recommend to always keep the pack with you in case of a severe allergic reaction. This includes anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition that involves trouble breathing and other serious symptoms.

To treat a severe allergic reaction, use one EpiPen autoinjector. If your symptoms continue or come back, use a second autoinjector if you have one. Do not use more than two EpiPens without medical supervision.*

After using the device, be sure to get emergency medical help right away after injecting EpiPen. Call 911 or your local emergency number or go the nearest emergency room. To learn more about what to do if you experience anaphylaxis, view this article.

* Administering more than the recommended dosage of EpiPen may cause overdose symptoms. To learn more, see the “EpiPen overdose” section below.

Children’s dosage

Your child’s doctor will determine the best EpiPen dose for your child based on their body weight. The typical recommended dosages are as follows:

  • For children weighing at least 30 kg (about 66 lb): The recommended dose to treat a severe allergic reaction is 0.3 mg. Your child’s doctor will prescribe EpiPen. One injection delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg.
  • For children weighing 15 kg to 30 kg (about 33 lb to 66 lb): The recommended dose to treat a severe allergic reaction is 0.15 mg. Your child’s doctor will prescribe EpiPen Jr. One injection delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg.

EpiPen doesn’t come in a strength suitable for children who weigh less than 15 kg (about 33 lb). Your child’s doctor will prescribe a different treatment if your child weighs less than this.

To treat a severe allergic reaction, use one EpiPen (or EpiPen Jr). If your child’s symptoms continue or come back, use a second pen. Do not use more than two pens without medical supervision.*

After using the device, get emergency medical help right away, even if the child feels better. Call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the closest emergency room. To learn more about what to do if you experience anaphylaxis, view this article.

Both EpiPen and EpiPen Jr come in a pack containing two autoinjectors. Your child’s doctor will likely recommend keeping the pack with them at all times. Your child may need two packs. For example, they may keep one pack at school and the other with them when they’re not at school.

* Administering more than the recommended dosage of EpiPen may cause overdose symptoms. To learn more, see the “EpiPen overdose” section below.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

EpiPen is a short-term emergency treatment. Keep in mind that you may need to carry EpiPen long term if you have an increased risk of allergic reaction.

If you and your doctor determine that EpiPen is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it whenever you need to treat a severe allergic reaction.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about EpiPen.

Is there a coupon for EpiPen?

Yes, there’s a manufacturer coupon called an EPIPEN Savings Card. It’s available for people who have commercial health insurance that doesn’t cover EpiPen.

A program called Viatris’ Patient Assistance Program is also available for EpiPen. This program provides EpiPen for free to people with a verified financial need. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 888-417-5782 or visit the program website.

To find out EpiPen’s cost without insurance or whether you might be eligible for the EPIPEN Savings Card, talk with your pharmacist. You can also review the “EpiPen cost” section above.

Can you use an expired EpiPen?

No, you should not use an expired EpiPen. An expired EpiPen may be less effective at treating a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. This is because medications, especially liquids such as EpiPen, break down over time.

It’s not thought that EpiPen becomes toxic when it breaks down, as is the case with a few drugs. Instead, the concern with using expired EpiPen is that there’s no guarantee it’ll work as well (or work at all). To treat a life threatening allergic reaction, it’s vital that the drug is active and works as expected. If your EpiPen is expired, get a new prescription filled as soon as possible.

To learn more about using EpiPen, see the “How to use EpiPen” section above.

If you’d like more information about EpiPen expiration dates, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the “EpiPen expiration, storage, and disposal” section below.

Will I be able to use EpiPen for asthma?

No, EpiPen isn’t approved to treat asthma. It’s approved to treat life threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.*

Some of the symptoms of an asthma attack (a severe bout of asthma) and a severe allergic reaction are similar. Both conditions can cause wheezing and shortness of breath. However, EpiPen has other effects and treats additional symptoms.

If you have asthma, talk with your doctor about the right treatment for you. If you also have an increased risk of severe allergic reactions, they may recommend EpiPen. If your doctor prescribes EpiPen, be sure you know when to use it.†

* To learn more about EpiPen’s use, refer to the “EpiPen use for allergic reaction” section below.
† For details about when to use EpiPen, see the “How to use EpiPen” section above.

Does EpiPen come in a 0.5 mg or 500 mcg strength?

No, EpiPen doesn’t come in a 0.5 milligram (mg) or 500 microgram (mcg) strength. EpiPen comes in a strength of 0.3 mg per 0.3 milliliter (mL). EpiPen Jr comes in a strength of 0.15 mg/0.3 mL.

If you have questions about which EpiPen strength is right for you, talk with your doctor. You can also read the “EpiPen dosage” section above.

Can administering an EpiPen cause bruising?

Typically, administering an EpiPen doesn’t cause bruising. However, bruising is possible if you inject it incorrectly or into the wrong place. (EpiPen is meant to be injected into the middle of the outer thigh.)

When you get an EpiPen, your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to use it. Also, EpiPen comes with a trainer autoinjector. You can use it to practice giving an EpiPen injection. To learn more about using an EpiPen, see the “How to use EpiPen” section above.

If you’d like more information about how to correctly administer EpiPen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Serious soft tissue and skin infections are possible after receiving an EpiPen injection. This side effect is rare. For details and symptoms to watch out for, see the “EpiPen side effects” section just below.

EpiPen can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur with EpiPen use. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of EpiPen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with EpiPen, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of EpiPen. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view EpiPen’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of EpiPen can include:

  • feeling anxious, restless, or nervous
  • tremors (shaking in a part of your body)
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • sweating
  • palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or pounding)
  • pale-looking skin or gums
  • nausea and vomiting
  • mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few minutes to hours. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and EpiPen, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from EpiPen aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Serious skin infections and soft tissue infections, including gangrene, in the place where you injected EpiPen. Symptoms can include:
    • skin warmth or swelling that doesn’t go away
    • skin tenderness or pain that doesn’t go away
  • Severe allergic reaction.*

* For details about allergic reaction and EpiPen, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

EpiPen is used to treat severe allergic reactions. However, some people may have an allergic reaction after using EpiPen. EpiPen contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to sulfites. Allergic reactions to EpiPen are believed to be rare.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to EpiPen, as the reaction could beco

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as EpiPen to treat certain conditions.

EpiPen is FDA-approved for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Specifically, EpiPen is used to treat type 1 allergic reactions.

Your doctor may prescribe EpiPen if you have an increased risk of severe allergic reactions. They’ll likely recommend that you keep EpiPen with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Allergic reaction explained

An allergic reaction is your immune system overreacting to a substance it thinks is harmful. Substances that cause allergic reactions are known as allergens. Examples include:

Some allergic reactions can be severe or even life threatening. This includes anaphylaxis, which comes on rapidly (within a couple of minutes).

Typically, anaphylaxis is the result of exposure to a specific allergen. If you have ever had a reaction to an allergen, your risk of anaphylaxis increases with a second exposure to it.* Without treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

Anaphylaxis can affect your whole body. Symptoms can include:

  • trouble breathing or wheezing
  • trouble swallowing
  • chest pain
  • skin rash, swelling, or itching
  • swelling of the hands or feet
  • swelling or itching of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • flushing
  • anxiety or worry
  • dizziness
  • fainting or loss of consciousness
  • pain or cramps in the abdomen
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea

You can learn more about allergic reactions in our asthma and allergies hub.

* In certain people, vigorous exercise can cause anaphylaxis. More rarely, anaphylaxis may occur without being exposed to any obvious allergen. This is called idiopathic anaphylaxis.

Effectiveness for allergic reaction

EpiPen has been found to be an effective treatment for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the most effective treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine.

For anaphylaxis, the AAFA recommends using a self-injectable epinephrine medication as soon as possible. EpiPen is a self-injectable epinephrine medication.

To learn how EpiPen works to treat allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, see the “How EpiPen works” section below.

EpiPen and children

EpiPen is FDA-approved to treat severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in children. EpiPen comes in two strengths, EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. Your child’s doctor will prescribe one of the strengths based on your child’s body weight:

  • EpiPen is approved for use in children who weigh 30 kilograms (kg) (about 66 pounds [lb]), or more.*
  • EpiPen Jr is approved for use in children who weigh 15 kg to 30 kg (about 33 lb to 66 lb).

EpiPen doesn’t come in a strength suitable for children who weigh less than 15 kg (about 33 lb). Your child’s doctor will prescribe a different form of epinephrine for children who weigh less than this.

To learn more about EpiPen strengths and dosages in children, see the “EpiPen dosage” section above.

* For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.

When you get EpiPen from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have EpiPen that’s gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist.

For more information related to expired EpiPens, see the “Common questions about EpiPen” section above.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

EpiPen should be stored at a room temperature of 77°F (25°C). Keep it in the protective case and in the outer carton to protect it from light. If needed, you can keep the drug at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for brief periods, such as when traveling. However, do not keep EpiPen in places where it could get too hot or cold, such as a car glovebox.

Disposal

After using an EpiPen autoinjector, dispose of it in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container right away. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident or harming themselves with the needle. You can buy a sharps container online, or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health insurance company where to get one.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

EpiPen is a self-injectable form of its active drug epinephrine. Other self-injectable forms of epinephrine are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to EpiPen, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Alternatives for severe allergic reaction

Examples of other self-injectable forms of epinephrine that may be used to treat a severe allergic reaction include:

EpiPen hasn’t been specifically studied in pregnant people. However, a severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency. It can be life threatening for the pregnant person and the fetus. So, doctors consider EpiPen an acceptable treatment for severe allergic reactions during pregnancy. The benefits of EpiPen treatment typically outweigh any risks.

If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, be sure to talk with your doctor about when to use EpiPen. And get emergency medical help right after using it. For general information about EpiPen’s use, see the “EpiPen use for allergic reaction” section above.

If you’d like to learn more about epinephrine (the active drug in EpiPen) and pregnancy, talk with your doctor. You can also read this article.

EpiPen is considered an acceptable treatment for severe allergic reactions that happen during pregnancy.

For more information about EpiPen use during pregnancy, see the “EpiPen and pregnancy” section just above.

It’s not known whether epinephrine (the active drug in EpiPen) passes into breast milk. However, EpiPen is approved for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions.* These reactions, including anaphylaxis, can be life threatening. So, your doctor will likely recommend using EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction even if you’re breastfeeding.

You can typically breastfeed as usual after receiving an injection of EpiPen.

If you have questions about EpiPen and breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

* For information about EpiPen’s use, see the “EpiPen use for allergic reaction” section above.

EpiPen is used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. (For details about this use, see the “EpiPen use for allergic reaction” section above.)

What happens with an allergic reaction

With an allergic reaction, your immune system overreacts to a substance it thinks is harmful. An example is venom from a bee sting. Your immune system responds by making special cells and chemicals, such as histamine. They all work to remove the substance. With a severe allergic reaction, the response can affect the whole body.

This overwhelming immune response can cause:

  • widening of blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure and cause:
    • dizziness
    • fainting
  • leaking from blood vessels, which can cause:
    • swelling in your skin, mouth, tongue, throat, hands, or feet
  • narrowing of your airways, which can cause:
    • wheezing (a breathing sound made from narrowed airways)
  • skin rash and itchiness
  • trouble with the digestive system, which can cause:
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea
    • abdominal pain
  • shock (a condition that prevents your heart from effectively pumping blood around your body)

If left untreated, a severe allergic reaction can be fatal.

What EpiPen does

EpiPen contains the active drug epinephrine, which is also called adrenaline. Epinephrine is a hormone responsible for producing your body’s “fight-or-flight” response. The epinephrine in EpiPen is an exact copy of the epinephrine your body produces naturally.

When you inject EpiPen, it has several immediate effects in your body. The drug:

  • narrows your blood vessels, which increases your blood pressure
  • tightens your blood vessels, which stops them from leaking and reduces swelling
  • relaxes and opens your airways, which makes breathing easier
  • relaxes the muscles in your digestive system, which relieves vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
  • increases the speed and force of your heartbeat, which makes your heart pump blood more effectively

How long does it take to work?

EpiPen typically works within a few minutes of the injection. The drug’s effects quickly relieve the symptoms of the allergic reaction. However, it’s important to get emergency medical care right after using EpiPen, even if you feel better. The reaction could come back, and further treatment may be necessary.

If your symptoms continue or come back, you can use a second EpiPen if one is available. For details, see the “EpiPen dosage” section above.

Alcohol is not known to interact with EpiPen. If you’ve been drinking alcohol, you can still use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction.

Note: Alcohol consumption and EpiPen can cause some similar side effects. Examples include dizziness, nausea, and headache. So, side effects from EpiPen may be more likely or more severe after you have been drinking alcohol. To learn about EpiPen’s side effects, see the “EpiPen side effects” section above.

EpiPen can interact with several other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “EpiPen precautions” section below.

EpiPen and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with epinephrine, the active ingredient in EpiPen. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with EpiPen.

Before using EpiPen, be sure to talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: A potential drug interaction should not stop you from using EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. These reactions can be life threatening. Always get emergency help straightaway after using EpiPen. To learn more, see the “How to use EpiPen” section above.

Examples of drugs that can interact with EpiPen include:

  • Alpha-blockers. These drugs are used to treat high blood pressure and enlarged prostate. If you’re taking an alpha-blocker, EpiPen may be less effective than usual. Examples include:
  • Beta-blockers. These drugs are used to treat angina and high blood pressure. If you’re taking a beta-blocker, EpiPen may be less effective than usual. Examples include:
  • Certain antihistamines. These drugs are used to treat allergic reactions. If you’re taking an antihistamine, you may have an increased risk of side effects from EpiPen.* Examples of these drugs include:
    • chlorpheniramine
  • Anti-arrhythmics. Anti-arrhythmics are used to treat arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). If you’re taking an anti-arrhythmic, you may have an increased risk of irregular heart rhythm from EpiPen use. Examples include:
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin). This is a heart medication. If you’re taking digoxin, you may have an increased risk of irregular heart rhythm from EpiPen.
  • Diuretics. These drugs are used to manage high blood pressure and fluid buildup. If you’re taking a diuretic, you may have an increased risk of irregular heart rhythm from EpiPen. Examples include:
  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid, others). This drug is used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). If you’re taking levothyroxine (Synthroid), you may have an increased risk of side effects from EpiPen.*
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. If you’re taking an MAOI antidepressant, you may have an increased risk of side effects from EpiPen.* Examples of these drugs include:
    • phenelzine (Nardil)
    • tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants. If you’re taking a tricyclic antidepressant, you may have an increased risk of side effects from EpiPen.* Examples of these drugs include:

* For information about side effects from EpiPen, see the “EpiPen side effects” section above.

EpiPen and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any specific herbs or supplements that have been reported to interact with EpiPen. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these products.

EpiPen and foods

There aren’t any specific foods that have been reported to interact with EpiPen. If you have questions about eating certain foods, talk with your doctor.

If you have any questions about EpiPen interactions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

Before using EpiPen, talk with your doctor about your health history. Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of side effects from EpiPen. However, EpiPen is used for emergency treatment of severe, life threatening allergic reactions. In these reactions, the benefits of EpiPen use outweigh the potential risks.

If you’re prescribed EpiPen, it’s important that you know when and how to use it. If you have one of the conditions below, your doctor will carefully review the symptoms to watch for that indicate you should use EpiPen. And always get emergency medical help afterwards. For details, see the “How to use EpiPen” section above.

Health factors that may interact with EpiPen include:

  • Hyperthyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism, using EpiPen could worsen your symptoms for a short time.
  • Parkinson’s disease. If you have Parkinson’s disease, your symptoms may increase for a short time after using EpiPen.
  • Diabetes. If you have diabetes, using EpiPen could worsen your symptoms for a short time.
  • Allergic reaction. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to EpiPen or any of its ingredients, including sulfites, your doctor may not prescribe EpiPen. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. You can use EpiPen during pregnancy. For more information, see the “EpiPen and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. You can use EpiPen if you’re breastfeeding. For more information, see the “EpiPen and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of EpiPen, see the “EpiPen side effects” section above.

Using more than the recommended dosage of EpiPen can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more EpiPen than your doctor recommends. (For information on the recommended dosages of EpiPen, see the “EpiPen dosage” section above.)

Overdose symptoms

EpiPen overdose symptoms can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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