GoodRx Holdings Inc.

10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 14:42

How Long Does It Take for an EpiPen to Work? Pharmacist-Backed Answers to 7 EpiPen FAQs

EpiPen(epinephrine) Auto-Injector pens are essential tools for managing severe allergic reactions, includinganaphylaxis. Each auto-injector comes prefilled with one dose of epinephrine, which is afirst-choice treatmentfor anaphylaxis. Injectable epinephrine also comes in multiple generic options and as the brand-name medicationAuvi-Q. There's even an epinephrine nasal spray calledneffy.

Severe allergic reactions are caused by the body's exaggerated response to anallergen, such as a food or insect bite. With a severe allergic reaction, you may experience a drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock. You might also have trouble breathing due to swelling in your airways.

An allergic reaction can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared. If you have a history of or are at risk for severe allergic reactions, you should always keep epinephrine handy, as it swiftly counteracts the effects of one. If you're not sure whether you should keep epinephrine on hand, check with a healthcare professional.

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Here, we'll answer seven of the most frequently asked questions about EpiPens - one of the most common forms of epinephrine.

1. How long does it take for an EpiPen to work?

An EpiPenbegins to workright after an injection is given. But you likely won't feel its full effects for 5 to 10 minutes. The medication works by raising your blood pressure and opening up your airways.

You or a caregiver shouldinject an EpiPeninto the middle of your outer thigh if you experience a severe allergic reaction. It can be administered through clothing, if needed, too. Make sure to hold the device in place for 3 seconds to deliver all of the medication.

2. How long do other epinephrine products take to work?

Other epinephrine products have a similar onset time to brand-name EpiPens. These products begin to work right away and should deliver their full effects within 5 to 10 minutes.

The amount of time it takes for all of the medication to be administered, however, can vary by product.

Generic Adrenaclick (epinephrine), for instance, hascomparable clinical effectsto EpiPens. But one key difference is that this product must be held in place for 10 seconds to administer a full dose of medication. After 10 seconds, the dose should be fully administered.

Auvi-Q is another brand-name epinephrine product. One notablefeature of Auvi-Qis that it's voice-guided and will coach you through delivering an injection. Once you start the injection, the device must be held in place for 2 seconds to deliver a full dose.

EpiPens and itsauthorized genericsare considered equivalent medications. An authorized generic is essentially the same product as its branded counterpart, but without the brand-name label. Each of these devices must be held in place for 3 seconds for the medication to be fully delivered.

3. What are common EpiPen side effects to keep in mind?

After you inject an EpiPen, you may experience side effects. The most common side effects include:

  • A racing or pounding heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Weakness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Anxiety

Epinephrine works quickly - and wears off quickly - so these side effects shouldn't last very long. After an injection, they typically begin to resolve within 30 minutes and should be gone within hours. If you don't feel better with time or your symptoms get worse, let a healthcare professional know.

You may also experience negative effects from the injection itself, such as temporary pain and redness. In rare cases, skin infections at the injection site and embedded needles have also been reported. If you experience any intense or persistent redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, contact a healthcare professional.

4. How long should you wait between EpiPen doses?

One EpiPen dose tends to be sufficient for combatting an allergic reaction. But you may need to administer a second dose if your symptoms come back or get worse before you can get medical care.

As mentioned, each auto-injector only contains one dose of epinephrine. For this reason, it's best to carry two auto-injectors on you at all times. If you need a second dose, you should wait at least5 to 15 minutesafter your first dose. Injecting too much epinephrine at once can be dangerous, as discussed below.

Be sure to replace EpiPens after using them. It's important to make sure that you always have two unused auto-injectors with you.

5.What other factors should be considered when administering an EpiPen?

The time it takes for your EpiPen to start working - and how well it works - depends on a few factors. Always talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about administering epinephrine.

Doses EpiPen devices come in two doses: EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr. (0.15 mg). To make sure your EpiPen is effective, you should talk to a healthcare professional to make sure you're prescribed the correct dose.

For adults, teens, and kids weighing at least 66 lbs (30 kg), EpiPen is the preferred product. It delivers 0.3 mg of epinephrine with each injection. For children weighing between 33 lbs (15 kg) and 66 lbs, EpiPen Jr. is preferred. It delivers 0.15 mg of epinephrine per injection.

Neither product is recommended for very young kids. For children who weigh less than 33 lbs, but at least 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg), Auvi-Q is a better option.

Storage Make sure you store your EpiPens at room temperature (68℉ to 77℉). Storing EpiPens at very high or low temperatures - or in direct sunlight - can cause the medication to be less effective.

When you're on the go, it's best to always keep your EpiPens with you to avoid temperature excursions. For example, never leave them in a vehicle on a hot or cold day. And keep them in your carry-on bag if you'retraveling by airplane.

It's also important to replace EpiPens once they expire. The medication in anexpired EpiPenmay not work when you need it to.

The medication in an EpiPen should be clear. If at any time you notice the solution has changed color, is cloudy, or contains particulates, you should replace the EpiPen right away.

6. How long do you need to use an EpiPen for?

Many maintenance medications are taken on a routine basis, such as once daily, for an extended period of time. This isnotthe case with EpiPens. An EpiPen is anas-needed medicationthat should only be used if a severe allergic reaction occurs. There's no set time frame or duration for using EpiPens.

However, as mentioned, it's important to always have epinephrine on hand in case you have a reaction. Think of it as an insurance policy. If you're actively experiencing an allergic reaction, you should administer 1 to 2 doses of epinephrine.

If you need more than 2 doses, let a healthcare professional do it for you. Taking too much epinephrine at once can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure, which could lead to a stroke and be life-threatening.

7. Should you go to the hospital after using an EpiPen?

Yes, you should always call911or go to the nearest emergency room after using an EpiPen - even if you're feeling better. Its effects start to wear off after 20 to 30 minutes, and your symptoms may come back. So it's important to be checked out by a healthcare professional. An EpiPen is not a replacement for medical care.

How to save on EpiPens

There are many ways tosave on EpiPens, which are available as both brand-name and generic products.

If you have commercial insurance, one way to save is with acopay savings card. You may be eligible to saveup to $300per brand-name EpiPen prescription using a savings card from the manufacturer. And you may be able to saveup to $25 per prescriptionwith an EpiPen authorized generic.

If you don't have insurance or are underinsured, you may be able to save with apatient assistance program. One patient assistance programfully covers the costof generic EpiPens for eligible consumers.

Saving with GoodRx is another option. Using a free GoodRx coupon, you may be able to find your epinephrine product for as little as:

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EpiPen (epinephrine) Auto-Injector pens are used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and kids. If you have a history of allergic reactions or are at risk for developing them, it's important to have quick access to epinephrine. There are multiple epinephrine products available and all of them work very quickly to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis.

EpiPens do not replace emergency medical care, though, so it's important to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room after administering a dose.