A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). Finally, make sure no one is stuck in any doorways or passages before you use the shock pen because you don't want to send a current through them too. In this article, Ill share what to do if youve used an Epipen without needing it. If they aren't able to take it back, they can probably point you towards somewhere that you can bring it to for disposal. I have officially learned my lesson and will never do anything like this again. From recent research I came to the conclusion to soak my thigh in warm water. 2001, 108: 114-124. 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2007.00529.x. How can you prevent yourself from sticking yourself with an EpiPen? It's also a good idea to flush out your . One woman committed suicide with epinephrine injectors. What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? 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. Since epinephrine induces a vasoconstriction through an alpha adrenergic effect, the use of phentolamine seems logical. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Hypoglycemic episodes are most likely to occur between two and four hours after injecting insulin. Google Scholar. So basically, as your throat is closing from the allergic reaction, you're supposed to take the . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. EpiPen has several resources to teach patients about the proper use of epinephrine shots. 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. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. Sellens C, Morrison L: Accidental injection of epinephrine by a child: a unique approach to treatment. PubMed 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. 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. Seek emergency medical treatment if this occurs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What experience do you need to become a teacher? As Teddy expected, Cristina began to work too quickly and wasn't careful with the instruments. Keep the wound clean and dry. 4 What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection? What is the difference between an Australian citizen and an Australian permanent resident? This sub is under reconstruction, please be patient as we work to improve it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it? 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. They will advise you on next steps to ensure your safety. Dry and cover the wound. What happens if you inject an EpiPen by accident? 3). 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. 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. I try so hard to keep it together. Idk man.Background Music:Wii musicSub Count: 308Sub Goal: 500 . Tell your doctor if your initial EpiPen injection resulted in a major adverse effect, such as trouble breathing or dangerously high blood pressure, before using it again (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure). WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. . We reviewed the treatment of accidental epinephrine injection, and found that the use of parenteral adrenergic alpha blocker phentolamine would have produced immediate recovery. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. 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. (Needless to say I dumped that dose and got a fresh syringe for the cat :lol: :lol: ) However, this is the worst-case situation. Lock up your EpiPen in a safe location, so it is not available to children or others who might misuse it. So I grabbed the Epi-pen from him and took a closer look. injected "[this mixture] subcutaneously into the site [of accidental epinephrine injection,] and stop as soon as the skin becomes pink". 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. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid self-injury while using your EpiPen: Always follow instructions printed on your medication bottle. 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Dr. Yash Khanna answered. All Rights Reserved. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Sometimes they dont improve hours or days later. I recently accidentally stabbed myself in the leg with my old and expired epipen. How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off? Ann Allergy. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. The directions explained it clearly; I was nervous and wasn't paying attention. Should I go to the hospital if I stabbed my hand? 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! the wound is large or gaping and you cant gently push the edges together. 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. It can be given while wearing pants. Unintentional injection of epinephrine can easily occur when handling epinephrine auto-injectors. If you were playing around and happened to inject into your thumb (I have seen that one), you might need to have some emergency treatment due to fracture of or impaling the distal phalanx and concern about vasoconstriction of vessels in the thumb. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. Article This however, is the worst-case scenario. What happens if you stab someone with an EpiPen? Google Scholar. Your blood pressure will rise. 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? When handling epinephrine auto-injectors, it is easy to accidentally inject yourself with epinephrine. 10.1007/s11552-006-9012-4. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. This event also highlights the importance for all doctors to gain quick access to information in the case of unusual presentation. While injecting the epinephrine, count to ten. If left untreated, low blood glucose levels may lead to seizure or coma. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . My son, 10 yrs. Your injection can be a reason for concern if injected in the hands, feet, or digits. 7). Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mL of a 1:1000 epinephrine solution for injection. What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? 2. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Immediate effects are: Local Vasoconstriction Loss of circulation/ adequate perfusion with a cap refill >4 seconds. Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. My brother did something similar in middle school cause for some reason he though my epipen was the case for the thermometer. do not scrub the wound while you're washing it. Article 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. "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. I am allergic to bees so I've always had epipens. Hi there! Although hand sanitizer has been shown to be effective in killing germs, its usage might have unintended consequences. 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. What is the difference between EpiPen doses? This however, is the worst-case scenario. It never hurts to refresh your memory on how to use your childs epinephrine shot. Clean any accidental sticks right away. Epi pens can have side effects. Never reuse needles/syringes that have been used for injecting insulin or other medications. 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not because it hurt but because it felt different than normal. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Finally, wash your hands after using the restroom; this is where you're likely to spread germs. Privacy This can reduce blood flow to the area. Vascular surgeons, anesthetists, and a hand specialist were contacted by the treating general internist. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Once injected epinephrine will: According to instructions, you should inject yourself in the upper thigh, however, mistakes are made. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. Some inks may cause soreness in the mouth. 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. Velissariou et al. Anyone who unintentionally injects himself or herself with insulin could experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as nervousness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. Medication Administration: When preparing to give meds to a patient: always look up any medication you are unfamiliar with (so that you know why you are giving the medication and so you will know possible s/s) Use only medications in a clearly labeled container. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? Wash it. 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. PubMed My allergist has plenty of trainers laying around the office and they use a permanent marker to write trainer on practice injectors. What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? 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. Hi Alice, Warnings for Shock Pens Shock pens may be sold as harmless pranks, but they have the potential to cause injury. Cite this article. The drug wasn't supposed to be inside of the EpiPen an 11-year-old boy stabbed himself with during health class. If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:. Journal of Medical Case Reports Denkler K: A comprehensive review of epinephrine in the finger: to do or not to do. Terms and Conditions, Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Then theres a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle. I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Wow, great example of how being under pressure can make simple instructions and tasks more difficult. She ended up stabbing Alex (Justin Chambers) with a syringe full of epinephrine, which caused him to collapse. You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. I then did the only thing I could think of and yelled for my mom who was in the living room. All I want is to get through my day without screwing something up. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. PT comes in having stuck their thumb accidentally with an EpiPen while showing someone else how to use one. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. Or just take reactants. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? Police . In the case of an emergency, you may not easily be able to let caregivers know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. A regimen of management of accidental epinephrine injection emphasizing the use of phentolamine should be instigated. Treatment of severe anaphylaxis with epinephrine autoinjector devices such as Epipen (or Anapen) and Epipen Jr has been available since 1980. 3 What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? 2007, 2: 5-11. In the emergency room, his thumb was cold and pale. https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268. 5 What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? Call first to speak to a nurse or doctor then take their advice on whether you need to visit the medical office. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, 30 yr sufferer-most foods and environmental allergens. 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. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. CM, PS and BF have made substantial contributions to conception, design, writing the manuscript and literature review. Full recovery was noted at a 2-month follow-up exam. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. An ironic side note: An estimated 10% of accidental epinephrine injections occur when healthcare providers demonstrate how to use the injector to their patients! do not suck the wound. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. 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. Burkhart KK: The reversal of the ischemic effects of epinephrine on a finger with local injections of phentolamine. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. California Privacy Statement, This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. 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. Glad you are okay! PubMed Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. EpiPen pro tips. EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Even little electric shocks traumatize and cause discomfort in the body. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. 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. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. Follow the instructions to remove the safety cap (s). you should have gone to the e.r. The incidence is about 1 per 50,000 Epipen units [3]. 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. Most suicides approach the problem is a way to give themselves . Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall: Does Season of Birth Affect the Risk for Developing Allergies? For about ten seconds. He's a bit younger than you so perhaps they weren't always that way. I decided against it. The epi-pen was expired, therefore, he thought the needle would not come out. 10.1016/0735-6757(90)90295-B. The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters guidelines recommend that patients at risk carry two epipens at all times (or any auto injector). 2004, 21: 387-388. Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. So we told him "Well, don't hit yourself so hard with it, honey!" and chuckled. If you handle electric shock devices without thinking about what you're doing, you could be risking serious injury. Even though they are labeled I still get worried and have to look closely. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. Troy Madsen settles your childhood fears about pencil-related injuries. It's gone a kind of pale bluish white colour, feels quite numb and cold. 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. 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. Chris May's son and fellow students at . What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. While reading the operating instructions, he attempted to launch the needle but erroneously placed his left thumb over the needle opening. 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. 1994, 3: 193-195. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? 1957, 163: 1477-1479. 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. Required fields are marked *. Fresh, clean water is best if there is no saline on-hand. The next day I took the used epipen and the unused one to my pharmacy to have them disposed of properly because I didnt want anyone getting hurt from me just throwing them in the garbage. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. Hand sanitizer overuse can cause dry, cracked skin, as well as redness, discolouration, and flaking. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it clicks. The click signals that the injection has started. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Have you ever had to deal with an accidental epinephrine injection? What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? 12/13/17 AT 5:36 PM EST. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The consequences can be serious: avocado hand can result in damage to the muscles or tendons, and even the nerves in extreme cases. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds.