This however, is the worst-case scenario. Pack the wound. I recently accidentally stabbed myself in the leg with my old and expired epipen. Little electric shocks can cause injury or disease if you come into contact with them directly. Google Scholar. Accidental injection, usually involving a finger, is a potential complication. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. 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. I am 100% okay. old, shot himself with an epi-pen. I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. In preparation for this article, I tried to find data on the amount of Americans who currently have EpiPens a medical device used to self-inject an emergency dose of epinephrine to treat life . An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. 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. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. Epi pens can have side effects. What are various methods available for deploying a Windows application? J Accid Emerg Med. However, this is the worst-case situation. My son's have always been. First of all, the thought of using an Epipen is scary enough. Greene AK: Management of epinephrine injection injury to the digit. I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. May described his son as turning bright red in color, and said he was sweating profusely by the time he arrived at the hospital. Cookies policy. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. Phentolamine is used to control blood pressure during surgery for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, when the tumor releases catecholamines because of manipulation and the stress of surgery. 10.1136/emj.2003.005462. Terms and Conditions, It's just that there isn't that much lead in the pencil lead, if any (see wikipedia entry below). What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Wear gloves when working with hazardous materials to prevent contamination. What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it? Puncture Wound Care. 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. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. Remind them to be careful! (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Use your EpiPen at the first sign of anaphylaxis. the wound is large or gaping and you cant gently push the edges together. No need to use antiseptics or disinfectants. In preparation for this article, I tried to find data on the amount of Americans who currently have EpiPens a medical device used to self-inject an emergency dose of epinephrine to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis and the closest number I could find was in a 2016 Wall Street Journal article that estimated prescriptions to be around 3.6 million nationwide. 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. EpiPens contain epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens a persons airways in their lungs. Alain Pcoud is thanked for critically reviewing the manuscript. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. the cut is deep or exposes subcutaneous tissue. Dispose of any used needles/syringes in a safe manner. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Kaspersen J, Vedsted P: [Accidental injection of adrenaline in a finger with 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. If you do happen to get hit by a shock wave, try not to touch anything with metal objects inside it because you don't want those charges to go somewhere else. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. Elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. This sub is under reconstruction, please be patient as we work to improve it. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The tester should look altogether different from the actual pen with a vivid color or other markings. 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. 11% of children weighing 15 to 30 kg showed a risk of intraosseous injection (hitting the bone) with EpiPen Jr or Auvi-Q 0,15 mg; and 38% of children with Jext 0,15 mg. EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not . (I may earn a small commission on the products linked to in this post.). Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. Reduced blood flow implies less oxygen reaching the tissue. 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. Ive also wondered what happens if you use an Epipen without needing it. 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. This is why I an paranoid when I take my humera tired. report some recovery [6]. The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters guidelines recommend that patients at risk carry two epipens at all times (or any auto injector). Wow, great example of how being under pressure can make simple instructions and tasks more difficult. The reason: Children and older adults tend to share needles, which leads to infections that can cause serious heart problems if not treated immediately. Your automatic instinct is to flinch or hold back to spare yourself the pain. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, 30 yr sufferer-most foods and environmental allergens. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. Avocado hand occurs when a person tries to remove the pit in a dangerous manner, such as with a knife, and ends up cutting themselves. CAS Call first to speak to a nurse or doctor then take their advice on whether you need to visit the medical office. Have you ever had to deal with an accidental epinephrine injection? An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. What causes the arms to go numb while sleeping? In conclusion, epinephrine can be given through clothes but only if you know what you're doing. If youre at home, a friends house, or at a party, make sure you tell someone that youve injected yourself with an Epipen. Talk to your health provider to see if Neocate is right for you. wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Ive also practiced using the Epipen in the doctors office (the trainer). I try so hard to keep it together. In the event of accidental injection, you should always seek medical attention. Clean any accidental sticks right away. How can you prevent yourself from sticking yourself with an EpiPen? The school district said it is investigating the incident and are reviewing school-wide procedures to make sure something similar does not happen again. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it? Use them safely to prevent finger sticks. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Remove the device from your thigh . Unintentional injection of epinephrine into fingers or hands can cause limited blood flow and injury. https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268. Your blood pressure will rise. Case 1: A 15-year-old boy found an EpiPen on a bus. This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. When I stabbed my thigh with the black tip one I guess I got the colors mixed up and thought the black tipped pen was the practice one. If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:. Do not inject into a muscle because it could cause the patient to go into shock. It's been about 15 minutes. Understandably, epinephrine will have a great effect on a small child than a grown adult and this can be scary. If you are unsure when would be appropriate time to administer your EpiPen, please contact your allergist or the EpiPen prescriber. Follow the instructions to remove the safety cap (s). Article Your email address will not be published. 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. What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. What happens if you stab a nerve in your hand? This however, is the worst-case scenario. Large amounts of ink swallowed from a bottle could be irritant, but serious poisoning has not been reported.". Once injected epinephrine will: According to instructions, you should inject yourself in the upper thigh, however, mistakes are made. You might think that would never happen, but it happens all the time and some people use their Epi a lot! There are a few situations that come to mind when answering this question. If you have sensitive skin, try using a less abrasive soap instead of hand sanitizer. This event also highlights the importance for all doctors to gain quick access to information in the case of unusual presentation. Use a sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover the wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing. Once a year Ill get my new Epipen and practice with the trainer. Saff R, Nahhas A, Fink JN: Myocardial infarction induced by coronary vasospasm after self-administration of epinephrine. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. Seek emergency medical treatment if this occurs. Yikes! Google Scholar. Of course, that was until I accidentally stabbed myself in the thumb with an Epipen needle. If epinephrine is accidentally injected into tiny locations such as the fingers and hands, blood vessels constrict at the site of injection. Yep, been there done that. 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. Finally, wash your hands after using the restroom; this is where you're likely to spread germs. 2. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 5 Should you go to ER after using EpiPen? The authors declare that they have no competing interests. PubMed Central 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. While reading the operating instructions, he attempted to launch the needle but erroneously placed his left thumb over the needle opening. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. In rare cases, this might result in a serious injury. But what if you think you need it and you really dont. Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. 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. Zucker first described phentolamine as useful to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol [8] and Jordan first showed the effectiveness of this drug for accidental epinephrine injection [9]. At Dust Mite Solutions we try to answer the most important questions you have about allergies. Article These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Figure B. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. It's also a good idea to flush out your . Seek immediate medical attention in the case of an accidental injection. Plast Reconstr Surg. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I had began to feel very energized and had slight pain on my outer thigh. My three-year-old son once found an EpiPen on the counter and thought it was the practice EpiPen that we allow him to play with. Which is a uniquely modern human Homo sapiens trait? California Privacy Statement, I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. Teaching your child about social distancing. message spotted in SoCal snow as some grow desperate, Weekend winner, with the exception of some problematic pollen, Moose charges snowmobiler in Idaho: VIDEO. Keep the wound clean and dry. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it clicks. The click signals that the injection has started. Delayed capillary refill of the left thumb after accidental injection of epinephrine. The EpiPen injection, contrary to popular perception, may be administered through clothes. What experience do you need to become a teacher? Your blood pressure will rise. I accidentally injected myself today in the thumb while administering to an adolescent who had shock after school at an event. Its use is limited by adverse side effects such as hypotension and tachycardia, requiring adequate pre-hydration. My son, 10 yrs. Each EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of epinephrine. 'HELP US!!' The accidental action caused Alex's heart to stop. Such wounds will generally . In a hurry, Christina grabbed a syringe full of epinephrine and directed it to the patient's heart without looking. Treatment of severe anaphylaxis with epinephrine autoinjector devices such as Epipen (or Anapen) and Epipen Jr has been available since 1980. For best results, ask your childs healthcare team to demonstrate how to properly use an epinephrine shot[3]. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. After injecting an EpiPen, hearing a click lets you know it worked. What is the difference between an Australian citizen and an Australian permanent resident? I decided against it. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? [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. Then theres a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle. It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mL of a 1:1000 epinephrine solution for injection. Thus far Ive been lucky. Or confusing the red-colored granola bar wrapper (chocolate) and the orange-colored one (peanut butter) during a chaotic morning (stab No. However, you don't want to be washing your hands with them constantly because the concentration decreases rapidly with time. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. All I want is to get through my day without screwing something up. Make sure you alert someone around you. . He unintentionally injected the adrenaline into the tip of his thumb. Make sure your fingers arent close to either end of the auto-injector. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. The epi-pen was expired, therefore, he thought the needle would not come out. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? Feels kind of sore where the stab wound is. A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). If you did not hear a click, that person may not have received any medication. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Formal training should be provided to all health professionals who prescribe or issue epinephrine autoinjectors. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. Mehr S, Robinson M, Tang M: Doctor - how do I use my EpiPen?. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. 29/07/2008 23:27. 1. The victim will likely experience pain when the wound is being cleaned so if the person is conscious, give her/him a warning. Open Access 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 should I do if I use my EpiPen on accident? Dp says this is just to be expected but I'm worried I've damaged the circulation or something. Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. Rinse and wash the area well with running water and soap. We think a regimen of treatment should be available to treat accidental epinephrine injection. 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. Full recovery was noted at a 2-month follow-up exam. This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. (I had used the practice one before). 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Even though they are labeled I still get worried and have to look closely. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go . The Epi Pen on the other hand has a sort of truncated flat ORANGE cone at the needle end, while the safety catch is the BLUE end. The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if . Chris May's son and fellow students at . All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. Never reuse needles/syringes that have been used for injecting insulin or other medications. statement and In summary, follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to yourself: Carefully remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube. It was funny cause he has ADHD and it actually made him act kinda stoned for a bit. So I grabbed the Epi-pen from him and took a closer look. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. PubMed Just found an old Epipen in my car. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. 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. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. do not scrub the wound while you're washing it. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. This can reduce blood flow to the area. Chris May's son and fellow students at McDevitt Middle School were learning how the device would work for someone having an allergic reaction. Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. It does not store any personal data. It's gone a kind of pale bluish white colour, feels quite numb and cold. Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. 1997, 14: 379-380. Thus, those receiving prescriptions for epinephrine autoinjectors should receive similar training. What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Once injected epinephrine will: Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if you're under age 10 or over 70.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In fact, research shows that people who accidentally inject themselves are about three times more likely to suffer a severe reaction than are adults who intentionally inject themselves. The content you are trying to access is intended for healthcare professionals only. Dr. Alvin Lin answered. We are planning to do this with a bunch at our next family gathering so anyone who might be around our son can have some practice. 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. When I went to grab it to throw it out it opened and stabbed me in my palm right under my thumb. Luckily, the doctors performed emergency procedures and were able to restart it. The charge on your body will move through any water that comes into contact with it, allowing you to get shocked without being close to a person. Place the orange tip on the thigh. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Ann Allergy. The Bottom Line. A puncture wound is of course a wound that is caused by a direct puncture to the skin and often the below layers. You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 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! PubMedGoogle Scholar. However, this is the worst-case situation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. According to the EpiPens manufacturer labeling, after injection the pen should be held in place for three seconds then removed. The amount of alcohol in most sanitizers is sufficient to kill most bacteria and viruses. Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Warnings for Shock Pens Shock pens may be sold as harmless pranks, but they have the potential to cause injury. 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. Aside from this, there are also risks of an accidental injection in and of itself. This could lead to a heart attack. Ive battled environmental allergies for years and I always carry an Epipen with me. 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. The drug wasn't supposed to be inside of the EpiPen an 11-year-old boy stabbed himself with during health class. Please Introduce Yourself: 1, 888 : Travel: 1, 400 : Restaurants: 1, 210 : Recipes and Cooking: 826 . Learn more about Epinephrine Injection . Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. I hope for her sake it wears off soon like she hopes. Arch Fam Med. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? . 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It does not store any personal data. Step 2 Trainer injection simulation by self (Figure C) or caregiver (Figure D) administration Article 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. Isn't the practice pen visually quite different? What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? For about ten seconds. 1999, 1: 34-36. EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. The intravenous alpha-blocker phentolamine was not prescribed. 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 alone call your local doctors office or allergist its never a bad idea to let them know the mistake. Contrary to popular belief, the EpiPen injection can be delivered through clothing. Maybe theyve watched you practice using your Epi or maybe theyve seen the picture instructions on the box. This might reduce blood flow to the affected region. Others have used local infiltration of accidental epinephrine injection sites successfully [10]-[14]. What happens if you stick yourself with an EpiPen accidentally? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".