Epinephrine auto-injectors are only available through a physician with a prescription. It is essential if you have a prescription for epinephrine that you carry it with you at all times. Without epinephrine, an anaphylactic reaction could quickly become fatal. With epinephrine, anaphylaxis may be reversed within minutes.
To use epinephrine on a victim who has it but is incapacitated, follow these steps:
- Pull the grey cap off the back of the device
- Firmly press the black end into the victim's thigh and hold for at least ten seconds. It is preferable to use the auto-injector right on the skin, but if you have to go through clothing, that's OK.
- After the device has been used, there will be an exposed needle sticking out of the black end. Be careful to dispose of the exposed needle properly. The ambulance or other rescuers should be able to dispose of the device for you.
