Epi-pen usage? Urgent need for answer?

Question

I need an epi-pen with me at all times in case of stings by wasps and bees. Last time I was stung having been given one of these things there was some confusion as to when they should be used. The emergency doctor was asking me!!!

Should the epi-pen be used only once shock symptoms start, or immediately I have been stung before symptoms set in? I ask this because near my house is a wasps nest and I have had some very near misses with them and have just received new epi-pens as old ones were past the best before date....
Help please, this is urgent! Thanks.

Answer 1

i looked after kids with a high allergy to nuts and eggs, we had to carry the epi pen with us at all times, if ever she came in contact with this allergy foods or ate something containing it she would immediatly need the epi pen, in the 3rd part of the thigh, it can even go through thin clothes in an emergency so you dont have to mess about...... its like dividing the thigh into 3 parts and the third part is where the pen goes. I presume you should only use it once you've been stung, but you need to do it as soon as cus anaphylactic shock can happen in seconds.

Answer 2

I know this must be a frustrating answer, but your best course of action would be to hire a professional to remove the wasps nest as soon as possible.

And if you do get stung, use the epi pen immediately. Epinephrine is produced naturally in the body by the kidneys, you can't be allergic to it any more than you can be allergic to oxygen. So, don't worry about the tachycardia or anxiety you feel when you administer it to yourself those are expected side effects not allergic reactions. The vasoconstriction will increase your blood pressure which will drop drastically during shock, and it will also cause bronchodilation, allowing you too breath.

Your course of actions should be as follows: 1) remove the nest, 2) if you get stung, take the epi before a reaction occurs if possible, 3) call 911, 4) take recommended dose of benadryl (unless you have COPD, are pregnant or nursing), 4) give all of the information about your allergies and the medications you have taken to the paramedics.

Benadryl has a slow onset of action, so it should not be your first line drug. And if you do get stung, do not attempt to drive or let anyone other than the paramedics take you to the hospital. Paramedics can give you the treatment you need and they can get to you really, really fast.

Answer 3

You should always use your Epi Pen as soon as you have been stung, this gives the adrenaline the largest amount of time to flow through your system before you start to have a reaction, you should also have a medi-alert tag on you as if the worst happens and someone finds you they might not know what is wrong with you.

I have an Epi-Pen for nut allergy and would use it even if i thought there was a chance I'd ingested nuts

Answer 4

Did you have an anaphylactic reaction the last time you were stung? If so, then you should use the Epi-Pen immediately after the sting, then go directly to the nearest ER (have someone else take you). If you didn't have an anaphylactic reaction the last time you were stung, heed the pharmacist poster's advice and stick yourself anyway. Anaphylaxis may occur so suddenly you won't have time to get the pen open if you're sitting there waiting to have symptoms.

The Epi-Pen is designed only to "keep your breathing passages open" until you can receive medical treatment. The epinephrine in the Epi-Pen will wear off, and the anaphylactic reaction may return.

I am allergic to wasp stings, but I cannot have epinephrine as I react badly to it (tachycardia, panic). If stung, I dose myself with Benadryl and get a ride to the ER.

Answer 5

If you have an epi-pen for use after a sting, use it right away and call 911, or have someone call. You want the effects of the pen circulating before your symptoms start.

Answer 6

The epi pen needs to be used as soon as you have been stung. Not when symptoms start.

Answer 7

The best thing is to ask a doctor, but "shock symptoms" as you call them, can result in anaphylactic attack. It can happen even 8 hours after getting sting. If you feel extremely hot, tongue gets swollen or you start sniffing non stop don't take the risk and use the epipen and call 911. If a doctor prescribed it to you it me ans you are very allergic. If you have any doubts, use it...better safe than sorry. I always carry my epipen on a carrier that you can strap to your leg/ankle under my jeans so I don't have to worry about where is the epipen Is called LegBuddy.

Answer 8

If you wait until the symptoms start, that might be too late.
At the very latest, give it when you feel the first slightest symptom coming on.
I would ask someone that is not allergic to help get rid of that nest. They make a spray that will spray for quite a few feet...15 or so, you drive your car as near as you can...roll up all the windows, except for one...that is partway down........spray into the nest. Roll up the window. Hope that will get rid of them for you.

Answer 9

Stick it in you immediately you get stung. Shock and death can occur within minutes, you should have a patient information leaflet with the pen, have a read through it so you know how to use it properly.

Answer 10

welcome to the anaphylatic club!
Use the epipen in the top of your thigh as soon as you notice any anyphylatic symptoms.

I am allergic to stings too.