A medical student has gone viral by detailing the correct way to use an EpiPen - after watching a video of a clueless girl accidentally stabbing herself in the finger while trying to administer . If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. I havent had to use mine, however, I still carry around the expensive auto-injector. The Epi Pen on the other hand has a sort of truncated flat ORANGE cone at the needle end, while the safety catch is the BLUE end. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember. I hope you dont have to use an Epipen and I hope you never use an Epipen without needing it. 1990, 8: 46-47. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not because it hurt but because it felt different than normal. Remind them to be careful! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Luckily I had 2. Management options for accidental injection of epinephrine from an autoinjector: a case report, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Most people understand that an Epipen contains epinephrine. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If the wound was left open or if stitches were used, clean the wound daily: If surgical tape was used, keep the area clean and dry. Of course, that was until I accidentally stabbed myself in the thumb with an Epipen needle. Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What happens if you give yourself epinephrine? If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Even if you do inject yourself, youll still need to get to an emergency room. Its not pleasant to think about. In order for epinephrine to work properly, it must be injected into the thigh muscle. Your automatic instinct is to flinch or hold back to spare yourself the pain. You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. 1994, 3: 193-195. If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:. I used my first EpiPen at the age of 7, after eating chocolate cake at a restaurant, sliced with the same knife used on a walnut cake. WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. CAS All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. Feels kind of sore where the stab wound is. Yep, been there done that. She ended up stabbing Alex (Justin Chambers) with a syringe full of epinephrine, which caused him to collapse. He unintentionally injected the adrenaline into the tip of his thumb. You may even want to print out the instructions and keep them in a handy place (for example, fold it up and keep it with the epinephrine shot). That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. Dry and cover the wound. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. old, shot himself with an epi-pen. I try so hard to keep it together. In summary, follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to yourself: Carefully remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube. My wife accidentally stuck her finger and now its white, cold, numb and wrinkly like she just got out of the tub but refuses to seek medical attention. Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? Philippe Staeger. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article. However, these devices are not without risk: myocardial infarction from injected epinephrine has been reported [1]. Thus far Ive been lucky. Hold the injector in your fist with the needle end (usually red or orange) away from your . When I stabbed my thigh with the black tip one I guess I got the colors mixed up and thought the black tipped pen was the practice one. Article Ive battled environmental allergies for years and I always carry an Epipen with me. Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where . Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after theyre treated. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Find everything you need to know about Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: Regardless, you should always seek medical attention in the event of an accidental injection; its better safe than sorry! Part of (I may earn a small commission on the products linked to in this post.). This however, is the worst-case scenario. As soon as he noticed the needle in his leg he pulled it out. Five years later at sleep-away camp in New Hampshire, it was . If you have expired epipens at your house you should take them to your pharmacy so they can be disposed of properly instead of just throwing them away. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 10.1016/0735-6757(90)90295-B. If you alone call your local doctors office or allergist its never a bad idea to let them know the mistake. Wear gloves when working with hazardous materials to prevent contamination. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. Maguire WM, Reisdorff EJ, Smith D, Wiegenstein JG: Epinephrine-induced vasospasm reversed by phentolamine digital block. The drug wasn't supposed to be inside of the EpiPen an 11-year-old boy stabbed himself with during health class. Many people dont realize that after using the pen, you still must call 911 and get emergency medical attention, just in case you need back-up treatment. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. The intravenous alpha-blocker phentolamine was not prescribed. Burkhart KK: The reversal of the ischemic effects of epinephrine on a finger with local injections of phentolamine. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. I don't recommend that anyone use epinephrine unless it's absolutely necessary, but I did take away some positive lessons. use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one - but make sure you know how to use it correctly first; call 999 for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better) - mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis do not suck the wound. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Correspondence to pain and swelling at the injection site. Accidental injection, usually involving a finger, is a potential complication. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Clean any accidental sticks right away. Many people don't realize that after using the pen, you still must call 911 and get emergency medical attention, just in case you need back-up treatment. If you handle electric shock devices without thinking about what you're doing, you could be risking serious injury. PubMed I accidentally injected myself today in the thumb while administering to an adolescent who had shock after school at an event. He's a bit younger than you so perhaps they weren't always that way. While injecting the epinephrine, count to ten. The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. No do not worry: Nothing will happen, just your heart may start beating faster for few minutes and than back to normal. What is the difference between an Australian citizen and an Australian permanent resident? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Social distancing is a new concept for all of us and as hard as it is for adults to adopt, getting children to understand and cooperate with our new normal is super challenging. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. You should take special care not to walk through puddles of water when out of doors, otherwise you might get hurt from the electrical current flowing through the ground. The accidental action caused Alex's heart to stop. Because epinephrine has a powerful effect of making blood vessels contract, your finger may be at risk of not getting sufficient blood flow to survive. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If left untreated, low blood glucose levels may lead to seizure or coma. This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. 7). Cite this article. Press J to jump to the feed. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. Pack the wound. Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. The Epipen can as a result of this increase in blood pressure cause quick heartbeat, and in the case that your heart is damaged or worsening cardiomegaly, this may lead to atrial flutter, which may lead to an atrial flutter which may lead to fibrillation that could collapse your heart. Greene AK: Management of epinephrine injection injury to the digit. "Somehow he, when he reached into the batch, got a hold of a real, live EpiPen, and used it -- like everyone else -- and stuck it into his thigh.". Topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators, and immersion in warm water were attempted unsuccessfully. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, often to ordinary things like bee stings, peanut butter, or antibiotics. Fresh, clean water is best if there is no saline on-hand. 10.1097/00006534-200107000-00017. volume3, Articlenumber:7268 (2009) 10.1001/archfami.3.2.193. Anyone who unintentionally injects himself or herself with insulin could experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as nervousness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. Is it bad to use hand sanitizer all the time? Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. After 8 hours, the entire finger was pink and warm, either because of the decreasing effect of epinephrine after 90 minutes [2], or because of the delayed effect of the attempted treatment. You might feel anxious. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, works by relaxing the muscles of the airways and constricting the blood vessels -- buying people time to get to the emergency room for treatment. California Privacy Statement, However, this is the worst-case situation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Or just take reactants. Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. This can reduce blood flow to the area. Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mL of a 1:1000 epinephrine solution for injection. If you don't understand any of the instructions, ask your pharmacist for help. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Arch Fam Med. Google Scholar. There will always be the chance of unknowingly scarfing down pecan-laced strawberry pie at a family gathering (stab No. I have a nut allergy. PubMed 2007, 2: 5-11. This is important to know if you normally have high blood pressure, Cupboard/First Aid Kit Away From Children And Pets, Away From Sun (in the dark) But Not Refrigerated, You might feel antsy for a few hours afterward. Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include temporary numbness or tingling, pain and swelling at the injection site, elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. Should you go to the emergency room immediately? In rare cases, this might result in a serious injury. Like many drugs, there might be side effects from epinephrine, such as anxiety, dizziness, and sweating, and swelling, pain, or changes in skin color at the injection site because of decreased blood flow to the area. Call them and ask before you go down there. Not much medicine if any got into his leg. J Med Case Reports 3, 7268 (2009). At Dust Mite Solutions we try to answer the most important questions you have about allergies. Since epinephrine induces a vasoconstriction through an alpha adrenergic effect, the use of phentolamine seems logical. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . J Am Med Assoc. Thanks for reading! Velissariou I, Cottrell S, Berry K, Wilson B: Management of adrenaline (epinephrine) induced digital ischaemia in children after accidental injection from an EpiPen. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. (Needless to say I dumped that dose and got a fresh syringe for the cat :lol: :lol: ) I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. Mild electric shock reactions are transient tingles and jolts, while more extreme reactions can cause significant discomfort and even burns. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). An accidental intravenous injection (which is very rare and would be fairly difficult to do on accident), is especially dangerous and can lead to hypertension and/or heart problems[1]. 2 What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I called my moms best friend who is an ER nurse and she said as long as thats the only symptoms I have and I dont feel any different I would be okay. However, the surgery proved it was Jackson after Cristina messed up. Case presentation A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go . Symptoms of breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. Mehr S, Robinson M, Tang M: Doctor - how do I use my EpiPen?. I have accidentally taken a shot from my EpiPen, I thought it was a used one and was getting rid of my old ones, I do suffer with a Heart Condition, Diabetes, Had two Pulmonary Embolisms, Two Brain Aneurysms and Brain Surgeries, Other Surgeries too many to mention and the list goes on. Your injection can be a reason for concern if injected in the hands, feet, or digits. This could lead to a heart attack. CJEM. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Several approaches were proposed: metacarpal nerve block or digital block with local lidocaine to induce an inhibition of sympathetic afferents to the digit; and topical nitroglycerin, systemic vasodilators, and warming by immersion in water to increase the blood flow supplying the digit. What experience do you need to become a teacher? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. May described his son as turning bright red in color, and said he was sweating profusely by the time he arrived at the hospital. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. spstarke. This is important to know if you normally have high blood pressure. Then I suddenly registered that - wait a second - that doesn't look right. In the process, she stabbed Alex's hand and injected him with the drug. "I was racing 90 miles per hour from my office in Hingham, because I didn't know what was going to happen to my son," May said. He accidentally discharged the contents of the spring-loaded syringe into his thumb; and the needle was twisted into the distal tip of his finger. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Zucker first described phentolamine as useful to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol [8] and Jordan first showed the effectiveness of this drug for accidental epinephrine injection [9]. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. The most common problems were 1) not holding the auto-injector in place long enough; 2) pressing the wrong end into the thigh; and 3) using too little force to inject into the thigh. Exapno_Mapcase April 19, 2008, 9:02pm #5. This is called "indoor electrostatic discharge" (ESD). Puncture Wound Care. Journal of Medical Case Reports 1. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I ended up stabbing myself (accidentally) in the soft fleshy pad of my thumb, about 1" from the end. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Teaching your child about social distancing. The treatment consists of removing the needle from the device and replacing it with a new one. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. I then did the only thing I could think of and yelled for my mom who was in the living room. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it? Reduced blood flow implies less oxygen reaching the tissue. How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The greatest risk of an accidental or an incorrect injection is that injecting the epinephrine elsewhere can delay or impair the effectiveness during a time-critical emergency. This is not necessary with hand sanitizer since it does not spread via contact with other objects, but it will help prevent spreading disease if you come in contact with poo or vomit for example. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What are various methods available for deploying a Windows application? Pediatr Allergy Immunol. J Accid Emerg Med. Make sure your fingers arent close to either end of the auto-injector. I am allergic to bees so I've always had epipens. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it clicks. The click signals that the injection has started. Alain Pcoud is thanked for critically reviewing the manuscript. Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. So we told him "Well, don't hit yourself so hard with it, honey!" and chuckled. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Dust Mite Allergy And Chronic Cough (My Throat Was Irritated), Is Vaseline Good For Eczema (When To Use And Avoid). 1 What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. CAS These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Only use the EpiPen injector provided by your doctor's office! 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Dp says this is just to be expected but I'm worried I've damaged the circulation or something. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. PubMed Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. J Emerg Med. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. So I grabbed the Epi-pen from him and took a closer look. Talk with your doctor about how you can best control symptoms of your illness. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For instance if you were to stab yourself with a pencil, to prick yourself on a pin, or to fall onto a fork (I could do this all day) then the resultant wound would be a puncture. 3 Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 5 What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? A regimen of management of accidental epinephrine injection emphasizing the use of phentolamine should be instigated. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. It's painful so I cant type that much. It can be administered while wearing pants. 2007, 18: 448-452. Google Scholar. Stier PA, Bogner MP, Webster K, Leikin JB, Burda A: Use of subcutaneous terbutaline to reverse peripheral ischemia. At the ER they usually only watch you for safety purposes and since I didnt need the ER my mom stayed up until 1am with me to make sure I was safe. However, this is the worst-case situation. Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. Patients who have an acute allergic reaction can immediately inject epinephrine with them, reversing peripheral vasodilation, edema, constriction of the airways, and myocardial depression. For best results, ask your childs healthcare team to demonstrate how to properly use an epinephrine shot[3]. I decided against it. An ironic side note: An estimated 10% of accidental epinephrine injections occur when healthcare providers demonstrate how to use the injector to their patients! It was funny cause he has ADHD and it actually made him act kinda stoned for a bit. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. I recently accidentally stabbed myself in the leg with my old and expired epipen. It can also be harmful if consumed or goes into your eyes. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Hypoglycemic episodes are most likely to occur between two and four hours after injecting insulin. Video: The life-saving skill EVERYONE should have: Medical student reveals exactly how to use an EpiPen - after watching viral video of a girl stabbing HERSELF while trying to help a sick friend Luckily, the doctors performed emergency procedures and were able to restart it. What happens if you inject yourself with an EpiPen in your arm? Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. A 31-year-old physician in a Family Practice training program at an academic primary care center was handling an Epipen because he wanted to be familiar with it before prescribing it. You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ive followed suit and do the same when I receive a new Epipen. Google Scholar. Make sure to wash your hands after administering an epinephrine injection. NAPLES, Fla. - A Florida woman stabbed her sister with an EpiPen as the two were drinking together because she's "allergic to drunks," according to the Naples Police Department. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off? Each EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of epinephrine. Your email address will not be published. 1999, 1: 34-36. . "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. Young people are also more likely to have their fingers near the injection site when they use drugs intramuscularly (in their muscles). Formal training should be provided to all health professionals who prescribe or issue epinephrine autoinjectors. I was trying to use the empty injector they give you to practice and ended up accidentally sticking myself by accident with the actual pen am I going to be okay? An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. In the event of accidental injection, you should always seek medical attention. Call first to speak to a nurse or doctor then take their advice on whether you need to visit the medical office. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. Accidental Injections of Epinephrine (EpiPen). EpiPen has several resources to teach patients about the proper use of epinephrine shots. Peripheral perfusion is restored usually in less than 5 minutes. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. The only way to prevent hypoglycemia is by avoiding injections into damaged skin, using a sterile needle, syringe, and vial every time you dose your insulin. Use a sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover the wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing. Next, aim for the middle of the outer thigh, holding it at a right angle to the thigh. CM, PS and BF have made substantial contributions to conception, design, writing the manuscript and literature review. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. Fitzcharles-Bowe C, Denkler K, Lalonde D: Finger injection with high-dose (1:1,000) epinephrine: does it cause finger necrosis and should it be treated?. A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). But everything else seems normal. 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective.
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