9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? An accidental intravenous injection (which is very rare and would be fairly difficult to do on accident), is especially dangerous and can lead to hypertension and/or heart problems[1]. "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. 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. However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. 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. Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. Im sure there are many more hypothetical situations but these are the few I could come up with. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. Zucker G: Use of phentolamine to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol. 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 does not store any personal data. 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. Velissariou I, Cottrell S, Berry K, Wilson B: Management of adrenaline (epinephrine) induced digital ischaemia in children after accidental injection from an EpiPen. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). 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. 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Then theres a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Thanks for reading! What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? Step 2 Trainer injection simulation by self (Figure C) or caregiver (Figure D) administration It can be given while wearing pants. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. I recently accidentally stabbed myself in the leg with my old and expired epipen. Springer Nature. I then did the only thing I could think of and yelled for my mom who was in the living room. She, at that point, thought I had found something wrong with my newly dyed hair. By using this website, you agree to our What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. Not much medicine if any got into his leg. The students were thought to be given trainer versions of the EpiPens without any of the actual drug inside, but there was a mix-up in the case of May's son, WCVB reports. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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! In order for epinephrine to work properly, it must be injected into the thigh muscle. Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Lock up your EpiPen in a safe location, so it is not available to children or others who might misuse it. 2001, 108: 114-124. 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. Once a year Ill get my new Epipen and practice with the trainer. It can be administered while wearing pants. However, you don't want to be washing your hands with them constantly because the concentration decreases rapidly with time. Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. It's also a good idea to flush out your . It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection. 2 Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? CAS 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. Your blood pressure will rise. Hi Lace, Hand. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. A regimen for management of accidental epinephrine injection, in particular the use of phentolamine, should be emphasized. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after theyre treated. The idea is "blue to the sky". Just found an old Epipen in my car. We reviewed the treatment of accidental epinephrine injection, and found that the use of parenteral adrenergic alpha blocker phentolamine would have produced immediate recovery. 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90028-1. An ironic side note: An estimated 10% of accidental epinephrine injections occur when healthcare providers demonstrate how to use the injector to their patients! Should you go to the emergency room immediately? So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. Hello, my name is Elaina and Im 16 years old. 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 : 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. All health professionals concerned with the use of epinephrine autoinjectors should receive adequate instruction on their use. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Burkhart KK: The reversal of the ischemic effects of epinephrine on a finger with local injections of phentolamine. 10.1016/0735-6757(90)90295-B. 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. 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. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In one way or another, you find yourself punctured with a freshly sharpened No. In the event of an unintentional injection, seek medical care right away. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What happens if you stab someone with an EpiPen? On this episode of ER or Not, Dr. 1. He unintentionally injected the adrenaline into the tip of his thumb. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. They're complaining of numbness in their thumb and say "it is turning white". 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. Symptoms of breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. 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. 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. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. 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. 10.1097/00006534-200107000-00017. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? Call them and ask before you go down there. 2007, 2: 5-11. Then you can just throw the case away. Find everything you need to know about Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. What are various methods available for deploying a Windows application? Open Access 1999, 17: 91-94. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3). What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Epi pens can have side effects. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go . Once injected epinephrine will: According to instructions, you should inject yourself in the upper thigh, however, mistakes are made. You'll feel a rush of energy. How to save an ischemic finger. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 2. I have officially learned my lesson and will never do anything like this again. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. In this article, Ill share what to do if youve used an Epipen without needing it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It's just that there isn't that much lead in the pencil lead, if any (see wikipedia entry below). Hold the injector in your fist with the needle end (usually red or orange) away from your . B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Then I suddenly registered that - wait a second - that doesn't look right. 1994, 3: 193-195. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | Dust Mite Solutions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Journal of Medical Case Reports Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images, but is obvious as the patient is the first author of this case report. Exapno_Mapcase April 19, 2008, 9:02pm #5. 10.1001/archfami.3.2.193. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. I only received a third of a junior dose. The provider orders an injection of a vasodilator to the digit, and documents a diagnosis of "Accidental epinephrine injection to L thumb". No do not worry: Nothing will happen, just your heart may start beating faster for few minutes and than back to normal. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Thankfully I havent had to use it Ive practiced a lot though. 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. Your email address will not be published. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. Place the orange tip on the thigh. In the case of a deep cut to the palm, the ulnar nerve may be injured and result in paralysis of the intrinsic muscles to the hand. The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. Over the years, I've gotten a lot better at wielding an EpiPen. 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? 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. We report a physician who accidentally injected epinephrine into his thumb while handling an autoinjector, and the results of reviewing the literature.