EpiPen Information
Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Epinephrine auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for patients who are at increased risk for these reactions. Epinephrine auto-Injectors are designed for you to use immediately in an emergency, to treat an allergic reaction fast and give you time to get to a hospital or medical center. Epinephrine auto-Injectors are not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. (Source: EpiPen Website)
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition occurring in allergic individuals after exposure to their specific allergens. Anaphylaxis refers to a collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body. The most dangerous symptoms include breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure or shock, which are potentially fatal. Common examples of potentially life-threatening allergies are those to foods and stinging insects. Life threatening allergic reactions may also occur to medications or latex rubber and in association with exercise or change in temperature. Approximately 50 deaths per year are caused by insect sting anaphylaxis and 150-200 deaths per year from food anaphylaxis, mostly from peanut and tree nut allergies. Anaphylaxis can occur immediately, or up to two hours following allergen exposure. In about a third of anaphylactic reactions, the initial symptoms are followed by a delayed wave of symptoms two to four hours later. (Source: DESE/Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools)
Life-Threatening Allergy and Epinephrine Training
The following resources will allow you to understand the significance of life threatening allergies, learn the pathophysiology and treatment of anaphylaxis, including EpiPen administration, and to help you understand the challenges schools face everyday when there are children in school with life threatening allergies.
- Boston University SHIELD: Life Threatening Allergies and Epinephrine Training
- Allergy Ready Back to School: Life Threatening Allergies and Epinephrine Training
Staff EpiPen Competency Checklist
Please print and complete the required documents and bring to your building health office.
EpiPen Shortage Information
Due to the shortage of EpiPens, the Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates on many EpiPens. For more information please visit the FDA.