2. Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. You might feel anxious. 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 Springer Nature. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. I decided against it. The amount of alcohol in most sanitizers is sufficient to kill most bacteria and viruses. Cite this article. J Accid Emerg Med. 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. In the case of an emergency, you may not easily be able to let caregivers know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. It's painful so I cant type that much. However, you don't want to be washing your hands with them constantly because the concentration decreases rapidly with time. 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. EpiPen pro tips. 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. Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments. [4] 4. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Life-saving auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? Clean any accidental sticks right away. They're complaining of numbness in their thumb and say "it is turning white". 3. Flush splashes of blood and needle contents on other parts of your body with water. It's been about 15 minutes. Sellens C, Morrison L: Accidental injection of epinephrine by a child: a unique approach to treatment. What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection? the cut is deep or exposes subcutaneous tissue. Kids are observant. As Teddy expected, Cristina began to work too quickly and wasn't careful with the instruments. They will advise you on next steps to ensure your safety. What does a blood sugar level of 1000 mean? "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. Hold firmly against your thigh for 3 seconds for EpiPen and its generic, 5 seconds for Auvi-Q, or 10 seconds for generic Adrenaclick to deliver the medication. 12/13/17 AT 5:36 PM EST. The students were thought to be given trainer versions of the EpiPens without any of the actual drug inside, but there was a mix-up in the case of May's son, WCVB reports. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. you should have gone to the e.r. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Whether you are new to food allergies and want to get to know our products, or you need help with a lifestyle change, for new ideas to . But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) As someone whos had serious allergies for a long time, Ive always wondered when I might have to use my Epipen. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. When she didnt respond I said it was an emergency. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Which is a uniquely modern human Homo sapiens trait? 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). Idk man.Background Music:Wii musicSub Count: 308Sub Goal: 500 . He complained of pain and paresthesia in the thumb. Hi Alice, Subcutaneous injection of terbutaline to reverse vasospasm has been reported once [7]. Dr. Alvin Lin answered. Treatment of severe anaphylaxis with epinephrine autoinjector devices such as Epipen (or Anapen) and Epipen Jr has been available since 1980. People who accidentally shoot themselves in the leg will usually be able to walk away from it. What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it? There are a few situations that come to mind when answering this question. However, these devices are not without risk: myocardial infarction from injected epinephrine has been reported [1]. The only symptoms I experienced was: shock realizing what I had done, energy that lasted a few hours, slight shaking, some pain at the injection sight, and slight numbing of my leg. Summary: Epinephrine autoinjectors can be life-saving for patients experiencing anaphylaxis a life-threatening emergency but according to a new case series, the most commonly used autoinjector appears to be contributing to injuries in children. This is why I an paranoid when I take my humera tired. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. What happens if you stab someone with an EpiPen? Accidentally injecting EpiPen into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness. This sub is under reconstruction, please be patient as we work to improve it. If you pierce or puncture your skin with a used needle, follow this first aid advice immediately: encourage the wound to bleed, ideally by holding it under running water. How to save an ischemic finger. This can decrease blood flow to the area. We reviewed the treatment of accidental epinephrine injection, and found that the use of parenteral adrenergic alpha blocker phentolamine would have produced immediate recovery. What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? Thus far Ive been lucky. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In a hurry, Christina grabbed a syringe full of epinephrine and directed it to the patient's heart without looking. PubMed 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. What are various methods available for deploying a Windows application? In the process, she stabbed Alex's hand and injected him with the drug. 10.1007/s11552-006-9012-4. When handling epinephrine auto-injectors, it is easy to accidentally inject yourself with epinephrine. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. Help. 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. A commonplace for discussion, news, advice and questions with fellow sufferers. Chris May's son and fellow students at . Whenever I practice using my Epipen I make sure Im using the correct injector. Formal training should be provided to all health professionals who prescribe or issue epinephrine autoinjectors. This however, is the worst-case scenario. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? Some doctors may want to see you to ensure youre alright. Only use the EpiPen injector provided by your doctor's office! Cookies policy. Talk with your doctor about how you can best control symptoms of your illness. I hope for her sake it wears off soon like she hopes. 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 Sometimes they dont improve hours or days later. Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. Google Scholar. What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. Yang ended up being a liability because she didn't take the time to think. 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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. Patients who have an acute allergic reaction can immediately inject epinephrine with them, reversing peripheral vasodilation, edema, constriction of the airways, and myocardial depression. If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go for 5 full minutes by the clock. J Am Med Assoc. The incidence is about 1 per 50,000 Epipen units [3]. 3). Neocate is a family of hypoallergenic, amino acid-based medical foods for use under medical supervision and is indicated for cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies and related GI and allergic conditions. What do you do if you accidentally inject yourself with an EpiPen? Our pediatrician recommended stabbing old expired epi pens into an orange - apparently its a similar feel to actually using one in the leg and its good practice if youve luckily never had to fire one off. Here, EpiPen's are pictured in a two-pack August 16, 2016 . What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Five years later at sleep-away camp in New Hampshire, it was . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Hand X-ray did not show a fracture of the distal phalanx. Once injected epinephrine will: Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. 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 This however, is the worst-case scenario. What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? Saff R, Nahhas A, Fink JN: Myocardial infarction induced by coronary vasospasm after self-administration of epinephrine. Stier PA, Bogner MP, Webster K, Leikin JB, Burda A: Use of subcutaneous terbutaline to reverse peripheral ischemia. Required fields are marked *. However, this is the worst-case situation. 2005, 115: 1800-1801. Philippe Staeger. What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? In the case of a deep cut to the palm, the ulnar nerve may be injured and result in paralysis of the intrinsic muscles to the hand. Emerg Med J. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. Use a sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover the wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . You can also make a salt solution. It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection. CM, PS and BF have made substantial contributions to conception, design, writing the manuscript and literature review. The content you are trying to access is intended for healthcare professionals only. Your automatic instinct is to flinch or hold back to spare yourself the pain. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Many pharmacies aren't licenced to take back medications for disposal. Even if you do inject yourself, youll still need to get to an emergency room. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. Step 2 Trainer injection simulation by self (Figure C) or caregiver (Figure D) administration The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if . Yet today, I managed to crack the backboard on my driveway . Dispose of any used needles/syringes in a safe manner. 5 What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? Mehr S, Robinson M, Tang M: Doctor - how do I use my EpiPen?. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? This will help prevent your skin from drying out due to constant exposure to high levels of alcohol. First of all, the thought of using an Epipen is scary enough. 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. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. 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. Kaspersen J, Vedsted P: [Accidental injection of adrenaline in a finger with EpiPen]. WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. The directions explained it clearly; I was nervous and wasn't paying attention. 1997, 14: 379-380. If you do choose to use hand sanitizer regularly, here are some tips to avoid any side effects: Don't use more than what's on your hand for too long. PT comes in having stuck their thumb accidentally with an EpiPen while showing someone else how to use one. Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet. Once a year Ill get my new Epipen and practice with the trainer. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 29/07/2008 23:27. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. PubMed Swing the pen back about 6 inches and firmly push it against their thigh . Just found an old Epipen in my car. How often does a Cessna require an engine overhaul? The intravenous alpha-blocker phentolamine was not prescribed. I have a nut allergy. Ive mixed up my Epipen and trainer before but Ive always figured out which is which. Velissariou et al. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. Indirect contact with an electric field generated by a shock pen may also be harmful. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? If you don't understand any of the instructions, ask your pharmacist for help. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. I only received a third of a junior dose. :). Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. It's also a good idea to flush out your . The practice pen that I had looked almost identical to the real thing. According to the EpiPens manufacturer labeling, after injection the pen should be held in place for three seconds then removed. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If the contents of the needle splashed to nose, mouth, face or other skin areas, wash them well with soap. I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. However, this is the worst-case situation. Its use is limited by adverse side effects such as hypotension and tachycardia, requiring adequate pre-hydration. Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. Not much medicine if any got into his leg. For best results, ask your childs healthcare team to demonstrate how to properly use an epinephrine shot[3]. Anyone who unintentionally injects himself or herself with insulin could experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as nervousness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. volume3, Articlenumber:7268 (2009) These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Since epinephrine induces a vasoconstriction through an alpha adrenergic effect, the use of phentolamine seems logical. Again, hold the thing in your clenched fist, fingers and thumbs away from either end. Hinterberger JW, Kintzi HE: Phentolamine reversal of epinephrine-induced digital vasospasm. An EpiPen or EpiPen Jr auto-injector that has been activated by accident cannot be used for a patient in an emergency and must be replaced. "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.". In order for epinephrine to work properly, it must be injected into the thigh muscle. Little electric shocks can cause injury or disease if you come into contact with them directly. 10.1097/01.PRS.0000162160.26682.6E. It says it expired in 2007. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. Case Series: A care provider accidentally administers an Epipen containing 300ug to thier own thumb/ digit whilst trying to figure out how to administer to a patient. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Very glad to hear that you were there to help, and that you had a backup injector! In the event of an unintentional injection, seek medical care right away. For about ten seconds. Am J Emerg Med. 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. In the emergency room, his thumb was cold and pale. Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. 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. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. An ironic side note: An estimated 10% of accidental epinephrine injections occur when healthcare providers demonstrate how to use the injector to their patients! Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Remind them to be careful! It does not store any personal data. The idea is "blue to the sky". Understandably, epinephrine will have a great effect on a small child than a grown adult and this can be scary. I pulled the pen away right after injecting the medicine. Dr. Yash Khanna answered. 2 What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? 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. I : I believe that it's highly unlikely for anyone to develop lead poisoning from getting stabbed with a mechanical pencil, not that i'm recommending an experiment. As of 2016, it was estimated that more than three million people in the US had a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector; 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 the medicine to a friend. I had began to feel very energized and had slight pain on my outer thigh. You might think that would never happen, but it happens all the time and some people use their Epi a lot! Google Scholar. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Arch Fam Med. Can you use an EpiPen if you have high blood pressure? 10.1001/archfami.3.2.193. The recent energy lasted about 3 hours overall. Accidental Injections of Epinephrine (EpiPen). Luckily I had 2. There will always be the chance of unknowingly scarfing down pecan-laced strawberry pie at a family gathering (stab No. Ive battled environmental allergies for years and I always carry an Epipen with me. Article This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. 2 Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? For children and adults who experience anaphylaxis, an epinephrine shot is a matter of life or death. Topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators, and immersion in warm water were attempted unsuccessfully. Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? Mathez, C., Favrat, B. CJEM. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. The only difference was the real pen had a black tip and practice pen had a grey tip. My allergist has plenty of trainers laying around the office and they use a permanent marker to write trainer on practice injectors. wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap. 1 What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? Over the years, I've gotten a lot better at wielding an EpiPen. If you are unsure when would be appropriate time to administer your EpiPen, please contact your allergist or the EpiPen prescriber. Is it bad to use hand sanitizer all the time? However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Case 1: A 15-year-old boy found an EpiPen on a bus. The reason: Children and older adults tend to share needles, which leads to infections that can cause serious heart problems if not treated immediately. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 1998, 160: 6531-6532. Greene AK: Management of epinephrine injection injury to the digit. How much does it cost to build a house 450 sq ft? 2001, 108: 114-124. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. report some recovery [6]. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road. 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? Figure B. Denkler K: A comprehensive review of epinephrine in the finger: to do or not to do. Self-administrated shots of epinephrine (often referred to by the brand name EpiPen or epinephrine pen) are life-saving devices which can halt an allergic reaction and give a patient time to get to a hospital. If I start to feel nausea and my stomach hurts or I get rashes and a headache, should I use an epipen? 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?. Only once with the lancet, but more than a couple of times with the syringe after a shot--just the other day I dropped a loaded syringe as I took it out of the vial and it hit me in the thigh on the way down stung like a ***** but no ill effects. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. PubMedGoogle Scholar. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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? the wound is large or gaping and you cant gently push the edges together. What happens if you stick yourself with an EpiPen accidentally? Aside from this, there are also risks of an accidental injection in and of itself. On the other hand, i think it's more likely to develop an . Should I go to the hospital if I stabbed my hand? I havent had to use mine, however, I still carry around the expensive auto-injector. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? Most people understand that an Epipen contains epinephrine. Children weighing less than 30 kgDose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Then theres a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle. I recommend not being weird like me and deciding to stab yourself with your old practice epipen like me, because it might be the real one with a needle and not the practice one. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 7). I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. 3 Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? Or just take reactants. Always wear protective gear when giving injections, and never give an injection in the back of the neck or anywhere near the heart. Make sure your fingers arent close to either end of the auto-injector. California Privacy Statement, Or confusing the red-colored granola bar wrapper (chocolate) and the orange-colored one (peanut butter) during a chaotic morning (stab No. What causes the arms to go numb while sleeping? Reduced blood flow implies less oxygen reaching the tissue. What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it? Vascular surgeons, anesthetists, and a hand specialist were contacted by the treating general internist.