The EpiPen and you.

[Robert Hicks]

Mike,

Would you be so good as to tell me anything you feel I should know about the EpiPen.

I just purchased 3 of them.

[Robert Hicks]

"Replace any Auto-Injector if the solution is discolored or contains a precipitate.
The EpiPen Auto-Injector is designed with a see-through window to allow periodic
examination of its contents. The physician may recommend emergency use of an
Auto-Injector with discolored contents rather than to postpone treatment."

What color should the epinephrine be?

[SilverFox]

I'm not MIKE, but carry an epi with me. The best bet if in doubt about the use of an EPI is to contact your doctor, as misuse use can result in serious consequences. they are a prescription and need to be replaced yearly, the liquid should be clear.
I'm no doctor. The use of the epi is if and, only if symptoms of anaphlixic (sp) shock appear IE, constriction of the airway, extream diffaculty breathing, inability to swallow, DO NOT use if their is just swelling and minor irritation.
Why did you get 3?? At $85.00 a pop, that was kinda spendy.

[size="1"][ March 30, 2006, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: SilverFox ][/size]

[Robert Hicks]

An overkill of safety. I was thinking of keeping one at the house, one by the hive (but cool), and train a neighbor and give them one.

[Robert Hicks]

Plus my insurance picked this up. $65.00 for 3.

[SilverFox]

Good idea, I have to remember to grab mine as I go out the door, allot of times I find Demerol is all I need. But the EPI is there just in case.

[Jeff McGuire]

FYI There is an EPIPEN Jr for use on children that is a lower dose. I have the adult and a Jr in case one of my kids needs it.

[Ben Brewcat]

It should be clear, not brown or cloudy. Sunlight degrades it quickly. wrapped in an opaque wrapper (tinfoil for my scored vials of adrenaline) in the fridge is best.

[SilverFox]

Mine says not to refrigerate. But to store at 50-60 degrees.

[GaSteve]

It all sounds nice but be wary. Epipens are prescription medicine. I'm not sure I have neighbors that trustworthy.

I heard a brief from a volunteer fireman and beekeeper who recommends that no one administer an epipen to someone else (except of course situations like a parent to a child).

The reason is that without proper training you could do much more harm than good. For instance, if someone is unconscious by their hives, how would you know if they had an allergic reaction to a sting or are suffering from heat stroke. Administering an epipen to someone with heat stroke may well do them in. He also indicated that "Good Samaritan" laws may be null and void if you start giving out prescription meds.

Just food for thought.