Epipen

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants) and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitoes), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media) and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate administration in patients who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions.

Anaphylactic reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm, pruritus, rashes, urticaria or angioedema.

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only and are not a substitute for immediate medical care.

• •Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (66 lbs): EpiPen 0.3 mg (
  2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • •Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (66 lbs): EpiPen 0.3 mg
  • •Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 lbs to 66 lbs): EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg

  Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Each device is a single-dose injection

  .

  2.1 Recommended Dosage According to Patient Body Weight

  • •Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): EpiPen 0.3 mg
  • •Patients 15 kg to 30 kg (33 pounds to 66 pounds): EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg

  2.2 Administration Instructions

  • •Inject the single-dose EpiPen or EpiPen Jr intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Do not inject intravenously, and do not inject into buttocks, into digits, hands or feet
    [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
  • •Instruct caregivers of young children who are prescribed an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr and who may be uncooperative and kick or move during an injection to hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection
    [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
    .
  • •Each EpiPen or EpiPen Jr is a single-dose epinephrine injection for single use. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from EpiPen or EpiPen Jr are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are deemed necessary.
  • •With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional EpiPen or EpiPen Jr may be necessary. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision
    [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
    .
  • •The epinephrine solution in the clear window of the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration.

  Discarding After Use:

  The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr each contain 2 mL epinephrine solution. Approximately 1.7 mL remains in the auto-injector after activation, but is not available for future use, and should be discarded

  .
  )
• •Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 lbs to 66 lbs): EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg (
  2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • •Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (66 lbs): EpiPen 0.3 mg
  • •Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 lbs to 66 lbs): EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg

  Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Each device is a single-dose injection

  .

  2.1 Recommended Dosage According to Patient Body Weight

  • •Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): EpiPen 0.3 mg
  • •Patients 15 kg to 30 kg (33 pounds to 66 pounds): EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg

  2.2 Administration Instructions

  • •Inject the single-dose EpiPen or EpiPen Jr intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Do not inject intravenously, and do not inject into buttocks, into digits, hands or feet
    [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
  • •Instruct caregivers of young children who are prescribed an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr and who may be uncooperative and kick or move during an injection to hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection
    [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
    .
  • •Each EpiPen or EpiPen Jr is a single-dose epinephrine injection for single use. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from EpiPen or EpiPen Jr are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are deemed necessary.
  • •With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional EpiPen or EpiPen Jr may be necessary. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision
    [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
    .
  • •The epinephrine solution in the clear window of the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration.

  Discarding After Use:

  The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr each contain 2 mL epinephrine solution. Approximately 1.7 mL remains in the auto-injector after activation, but is not available for future use, and should be discarded

  .
  )

Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Each device is a single-dose injection

• •Injection: 0.3 mg (0.3 mg/0.3 mL), clear and colorless solution in single-dose pre-filled auto-injector
• •Injection: 0.15 mg (0.15 mg/0.3 mL), clear and colorless solution in single-dose pre-filled auto-injector

• •Elderly patients may be at greater risk of developing adverse reactions. (
  5.5 Disease Interactions

  Some patients may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration. Despite these concerns, it should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation. Therefore, patients with these conditions, and/or any other person who might be in a position to administer EpiPen or EpiPen Jr to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis should be carefully instructed in regard to the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used.

  Patients with Heart Disease

  Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension

  .

  In such patients, or in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias

  ,

  epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias [

  see Drug Interactions (7)and Adverse Reactions (6)

  ].

  Other Patients and Diseases

  Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.
  ,
  8.5 Geriatric Use

  Clinical studies for the treatment of anaphylaxis have not been performed in subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, other reported clinical experience with use of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis has identified that geriatric patients may be particularly sensitive to the effects of epinephrine. Therefore, EpiPen should be administered with caution in elderly individuals, who may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration [

  see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Overdosage (10)

  ].
  )

• •In conjunction with use, seek immediate medical or hospital care. (
  5.1 Emergency Treatment

  EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy and are not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [

  see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2)and Patient Counseling Information (17)

  ].
  )
• •Do not inject intravenously, into buttock, or into digits, hands, or feet. (
  5.2 Injection-Related Complications

  EpiPen and EpiPen Jr should

  only

  be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh [

  see Dosage and Administration (2)and Patient Counseling Information (17)

  ].

  Do not inject intravenously

  Large doses or accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage due to sharp rise in blood pressure. Rapidly acting vasodilators can counteract the marked pressor effects of epinephrine if there is such inadvertent administration.

  Do not inject into buttock

  Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room for further treatment of anaphylaxis. Additionally, injection into the buttock has been associated with Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Cleansing with alcohol does not kill bacterial spores, and therefore, does not lower this risk.

  Do not inject into digits, hands or feet

  Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor, accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room and to inform the healthcare provider in the emergency room of the location of the accidental injection. Treatment of such inadvertent administration should consist of vasodilation, in addition to further appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis [

  see Adverse Reactions (6)

  ].

  Hold leg firmly during injection

  Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when EpiPen and EpiPen Jr have been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection. To minimize the risk of injection related injury when administering, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection.
  )
• •To minimize the risk of injection related injury, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection when administering to young children. (
  5.2 Injection-Related Complications

  EpiPen and EpiPen Jr should

  only

  be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh [

  see Dosage and Administration (2)and Patient Counseling Information (17)

  ].

  Do not inject intravenously

  Large doses or accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage due to sharp rise in blood pressure. Rapidly acting vasodilators can counteract the marked pressor effects of epinephrine if there is such inadvertent administration.

  Do not inject into buttock

  Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room for further treatment of anaphylaxis. Additionally, injection into the buttock has been associated with Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Cleansing with alcohol does not kill bacterial spores, and therefore, does not lower this risk.

  Do not inject into digits, hands or feet

  Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor, accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room and to inform the healthcare provider in the emergency room of the location of the accidental injection. Treatment of such inadvertent administration should consist of vasodilation, in addition to further appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis [

  see Adverse Reactions (6)

  ].

  Hold leg firmly during injection

  Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when EpiPen and EpiPen Jr have been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection. To minimize the risk of injection related injury when administering, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection.
  )
• •Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections have been reported following epinephrine injection. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection. (
  5.3 Serious Infections at the Injection Site

  Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis.

  Clostridium

  spores can be present on the skin and introduced into the deep tissue with subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. While cleansing with alcohol may reduce presence of bacteria on the skin, alcohol cleansing does not kill

  Clostridium

  spores. To decrease the risk of

  Clostridium

  infection, do not inject EpiPen into the buttock [see

  Warnings and Precautions (5.2)

  ]. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site.
  )
• •The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter use. (
  5.4 Allergic Reactions Associated with Sulfite

  The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive.

  Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic reactions or other emergency situations even though this product contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may, in other products, cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms or life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons.

  The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.
  )
• •Administer with caution in patients with heart disease; may aggravate angina pectoris or produce ventricular arrhythmias. (
  5.5 Disease Interactions

  Some patients may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration. Despite these concerns, it should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation. Therefore, patients with these conditions, and/or any other person who might be in a position to administer EpiPen or EpiPen Jr to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis should be carefully instructed in regard to the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used.

  Patients with Heart Disease

  Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension

  .

  In such patients, or in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias

  ,

  epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias [

  see Drug Interactions (7)and Adverse Reactions (6)

  ].

  Other Patients and Diseases

  Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.
  )