Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments. This however, is the worst-case scenario. If I start to feel nausea and my stomach hurts or I get rashes and a headache, should I use an epipen? Or confusing the red-colored granola bar wrapper (chocolate) and the orange-colored one (peanut butter) during a chaotic morning (stab No. Theyre used via a stab to the thigh, so that the drugs can get to work ASAP. The victim will likely experience pain when the wound is being cleaned so if the person is conscious, give her/him a warning. This might reduce blood flow to the affected region. 2005, 115: 1800-1801. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Figure B. message spotted in SoCal snow as some grow desperate, Weekend winner, with the exception of some problematic pollen, Moose charges snowmobiler in Idaho: VIDEO. 4 What happens if you stab a nerve in your hand? What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. Hi Alice, That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. Dr. Alvin Lin answered. He complained of pain and paresthesia in the thumb. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Because an EpiPen is an auto-injector, the needle shoots out as soon as the cap is taken off, so if you squeeze or touch it, you may get the injection in your thumb instead, which causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in inadequate blood flow. What happens if you stick yourself with an EpiPen accidentally? This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( 12/13/17 AT 5:36 PM EST. Thus far Ive been lucky. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. First of all, the thought of using an Epipen is scary enough. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". When it comes to allergies everyone experiences different types of symptoms and Ive rarely had respiratory symptoms that affected my breathing. The directions explained it clearly; I was nervous and wasn't paying attention. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. What do you do if you accidentally inject yourself with an EpiPen? No do not worry: Nothing will happen, just your heart may start beating faster for few minutes and than back to normal. How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off? Again, hold the thing in your clenched fist, fingers and thumbs away from either end. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. Hand. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. Here are some tips to help. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In rare cases, this might result in a serious injury. What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Anyone who unintentionally injects himself or herself with insulin could experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as nervousness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. Remove the device from your thigh . He's a bit younger than you so perhaps they weren't always that way. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. It can also be harmful if consumed or goes into your eyes. Are you in danger of lead poisoning? If you are unsure when would be appropriate time to administer your EpiPen, please contact your allergist or the EpiPen prescriber. "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. Google Scholar. 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. Use your EpiPen at the first sign of anaphylaxis. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I had began to feel very energized and had slight pain on my outer thigh. In the case of an emergency, you may not easily be able to let caregivers know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Only use the EpiPen injector provided by your doctor's office! Velissariou et al. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. What may seem like a simple cut can, in fact, be a deep stab laceration. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember. The reason: Children and older adults tend to share needles, which leads to infections that can cause serious heart problems if not treated immediately. Ugeskr Laeger. What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? You may even want to print out the instructions and keep them in a handy place (for example, fold it up and keep it with the epinephrine shot). What happens if you inject yourself with an EpiPen in your arm? Make sure your fingers arent close to either end of the auto-injector. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If your heart is weak and you get a big enough flood of natural adrenaline, you can faint, or get a heart arrhythmia, a heart attack, or a stroke. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Puncture Wound Care. 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. The injection sight was sore, blotchy, and slightly numb. 3 Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? Like many drugs, there might be side effects from epinephrine, such as anxiety, dizziness, and sweating, and swelling, pain, or changes in skin color at the injection site because of decreased blood flow to the area. The treatment consists of removing the needle from the device and replacing it with a new one. Springer Nature. How long does a shock last in the human body? In any case, you should always seek medical assistance if you accidentally inject yourself; it's better to be safe than sorry! A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. Five years later at sleep-away camp in New Hampshire, it was . What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? May described his son as turning bright red in color, and said he was sweating profusely by the time he arrived at the hospital. 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. Some inks may cause soreness in the mouth. Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 4 What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Exapno_Mapcase April 19, 2008, 9:02pm #5. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. 1990, 8: 46-47. I then did the only thing I could think of and yelled for my mom who was in the living room. Luckily, the doctors performed emergency procedures and were able to restart it. As someone whos had serious allergies for a long time, Ive always wondered when I might have to use my Epipen. 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. If the finger is looking white, this would warrant going to an . [14] successfully used 1.5 mg of phentolamine (from a 10 mg/ml phentolamine mesylate ampoule) diluted in 1 ml of 2% lidocaine to treat such accidents. The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters guidelines recommend that patients at risk carry two epipens at all times (or any auto injector). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. (I had used the practice one before). 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. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. volume3, Articlenumber:7268 (2009) A commonplace for discussion, news, advice and questions with fellow sufferers. CM, PS and BF have made substantial contributions to conception, design, writing the manuscript and literature review. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? This can reduce blood flow to the area. CAS If youre at home, a friends house, or at a party, make sure you tell someone that youve injected yourself with an Epipen. The recent energy lasted about 3 hours overall. Wear gloves when working with hazardous materials to prevent contamination. What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? The tester should look altogether different from the actual pen with a vivid color or other markings. This however, is the worst-case scenario. The Bottom Line. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. PubMed PT comes in having stuck their thumb accidentally with an EpiPen while showing someone else how to use one. How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? Hi Geraldine, They will advise you on next steps to ensure your safety. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. 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. By using this website, you agree to our Even if you do inject yourself, youll still need to get to an emergency room. 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 . 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 . On the other hand, i think it's more likely to develop an . 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. Philippe Staeger. Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person. Epi pens can have side effects. CAS Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. Yikes! All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The boy complained of pain, numbness, and tingling. :). Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. Idk man.Background Music:Wii musicSub Count: 308Sub Goal: 500 . The most common injury related to self-injection is pain at the injection site. If you don't follow correct procedure, you could end up hurting the person who needs the medication. While injecting the epinephrine, count to ten. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it? It never hurts to refresh your memory on how to use your childs epinephrine shot. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 29/07/2008 23:27. The school district said it is investigating the incident and are reviewing school-wide procedures to make sure something similar does not happen again. Plast Reconstr Surg. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. CAS Then I suddenly registered that - wait a second - that doesn't look right. We think a regimen of treatment should be available to treat accidental epinephrine injection. Delayed capillary refill of the left thumb after accidental injection of epinephrine. What should I do if I use my EpiPen on accident? Full recovery was noted at a 2-month follow-up exam. Teaching your child about social distancing. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This could lead to a heart attack. Talk with your doctor about how you can best control symptoms of your illness. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Why did a physician put his thumb over the EpiPen? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. (Needless to say I dumped that dose and got a fresh syringe for the cat :lol: :lol: ) Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. But everything else seems normal. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and can trigger heart arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks. 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. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you don't understand any of the instructions, ask your pharmacist for help. In the event of accidental injection, you should always seek medical attention. Hello, my name is Elaina and Im 16 years old. Just found an old Epipen in my car. Epinephrine is adrenaline and a naturally occurring hormone in the body. He specializes in orthopedic surgery, cancer treatment, and general surgical procedures. Press J to jump to the feed. Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? )Aug 27, 2019. Yep, been there done that. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) PubMed Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mL of a 1:1000 epinephrine solution for injection. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. 2 What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? Unintentional injection of epinephrine into fingers or hands can cause limited blood flow and injury. Lock up your EpiPen in a safe location, so it is not available to children or others who might misuse it. Accidental injection, usually involving a finger, is a potential complication. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 1. 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 sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. Large amounts of ink swallowed from a bottle could be irritant, but serious poisoning has not been reported.". The big problem is that it is psychologically difficult to stab yourself with the strength and follow-through that are necessary to drive the blade in all the way. Sorry there was an error savinig your comment. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. report some recovery [6]. When handling epinephrine auto-injectors, it is easy to accidentally inject yourself with epinephrine. Contrary to popular belief, the EpiPen injection can be delivered through clothing. But what if you think you need it and you really dont. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Immediate effects are: Local Vasoconstriction Loss of circulation/ adequate perfusion with a cap refill >4 seconds. 10.1001/archfami.3.2.193. Terms and Conditions, He . Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where . 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. 10 How do you know if an EpiPen has worked? The consequences can be serious: avocado hand can result in damage to the muscles or tendons, and even the nerves in extreme cases. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Hi there! If epinephrine is accidentally injected into tiny locations such as the fingers and hands, blood vessels constrict at the site of injection. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. I ended up stabbing myself (accidentally) in the soft fleshy pad of my thumb, about 1" from the end. The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. What causes the arms to go numb while sleeping? 8 What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? Chris May's son and fellow students at McDevitt Middle School were learning how the device would work for someone having an allergic reaction. 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! What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? Once injected epinephrine will: Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. But if you do this article can help make sure you know what to do. You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. Ann Allergy. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? So I grabbed the Epi-pen from him and took a closer look. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. Fresh, clean water is best if there is no saline on-hand. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. 2004, 21: 387-388. When she didnt respond I said it was an emergency. She, at that point, thought I had found something wrong with my newly dyed hair. The book states that: "Ink: ball-point pens, felt-tip pens, and fountain pens contain so little ink that there is not enough to cause poisoning if it is sucked from a pen. Mild electric shock reactions are transient tingles and jolts, while more extreme reactions can cause significant discomfort and even burns. Your blood pressure will rise. I try so hard to keep it together. EpiPens contain epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens a persons airways in their lungs. PubMed Zucker G: Use of phentolamine to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol. Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. Should you go to the emergency room immediately? Mehr S, Robinson M, Tang M: Doctor - how do I use my EpiPen?. Kaspersen J, Vedsted P: [Accidental injection of adrenaline in a finger with EpiPen]. When I went to grab it to throw it out it opened and stabbed me in my palm right under my thumb. Journal of Medical Case Reports This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. Dr. Hansen has worked in hospitals for over 20 years and is a highly respected surgeon. There will always be the chance of unknowingly scarfing down pecan-laced strawberry pie at a family gathering (stab No. In the event of an unintentional injection, seek medical care right away. What I stabbed myself with. 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 Life-saving auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis. That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. 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. WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Use them safely to prevent finger sticks. Emerg Med J. 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. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. I accidentally injected myself today in the thumb while administering to an adolescent who had shock after school at an event. Home care. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . You will need to receive further treatment and observation. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Indirect contact with an electric field generated by a shock pen may also be harmful. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Do not inject into a muscle because it could cause the patient to go into shock. Vascular surgeons, anesthetists, and a hand specialist were contacted by the treating general internist. 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. Of course, that was until I accidentally stabbed myself in the thumb with an Epipen needle. 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? You hold it in the middle of your clenched fist . Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. PubMed Introduction Epinephrine autoinjector devices are used with increasing frequency to treat severe anaphylactic reactions. 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. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3). Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. 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?. I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. Subcutaneous injection of terbutaline to reverse vasospasm has been reported once [7]. If you have sensitive skin, try using a less abrasive soap instead of hand sanitizer. A mix-up during health class left a 11-year-old boy in a Massachusetts hospital after he accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen. You might think that would never happen, but it happens all the time and some people use their Epi a lot! Little electric shocks can cause injury or disease if you come into contact with them directly. Swing the pen back about 6 inches and firmly push it against their thigh . Adults and children weighing 30 kilograms (kg) or more0.3 to 0.5 milligram (mg) injected under the skin or into the muscle of your thigh. Find everything you need to know about Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. 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. 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. I have officially learned my lesson and will never do anything like this again. People who accidentally shoot themselves in the leg will usually be able to walk away from it. Chris May's son and fellow students at . This however, is the worst-case scenario. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. CJEM. 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Finally, wash your hands after using the restroom; this is where you're likely to spread germs. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not . Or just take reactants. I am 100% okay. There are a few situations that come to mind when answering this question. Pack the wound. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. What experience do you need to become a teacher? Its not pleasant to think about. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 1957, 163: 1477-1479. Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road.