EPIPEN- epinephrine injection
Dispensing Solutions, Inc.
DESCRIPTION
Each EpiPen� Auto-Injector delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine injection, USP, 1:1000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution.
Each EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine injection, USP, 1:2000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution.
The EpiPen� and EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injectors each contain 2 mL epinephrine solution. Approximately 1.7 mL remains in the auto-injector after activation and cannot be used.
Each 0.3 mL in the EpiPen� Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and Water for Injection.
The pH range is 2.2-5.0. Each 0.3 mL in the EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector contains 0.15 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and Water for Injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0.
Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. Chemically, epinephrine is B-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-a-methyl-aminoethanol
Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Replace EpiPen� and EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injectors if the epinephrine solution appears discolored.
EpiPen� and EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injectors do not contain latex.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Epinephrine is the drug of choice for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (Type I) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens. It can also be used in the treatment of anaphylaxis of unknown cause (idiopathic anaphylaxis) or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. When given intramuscularly or subcutaneously it has a rapid onset and short duration of action. Epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. Through its action on alpha adrenergic receptors, epinephrine lessens the vasodilation and increased vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis, which can lead to loss of intravascular fluid volume and hypotension. Through its action on beta-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation that helps alleviate bronchospasm, wheezing and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis. Epinephrine also alleviates pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema and may be effective in relieving gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms associated with anaphylaxis because of its relaxer effects on the smooth muscle of the stomach, intestine, uterus, and urinary bladder.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
EpiPen� and EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injectors are indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants) and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitos), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media) and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. EpiPen� and EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injectors are intended for immediate administration in patients, who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions. Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to patient body weight (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section).
Such reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm, pruritus, rashes, urticaria or angioedema.
EpiPen� and EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injectors are intended for immediate self-administration as emergency supportive therapy only and are not a substitute for immediate medical care.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are no absolute contraindications to the use of epinephrine in a life-threatening situation.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
EpiPen� or EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector prescribers should ensure that the patient or caregiver understands the indications and use of this product. A health care provider should review the patient instructions and operation of the EpiPen� or EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector, in detail, with the patient or caregiver. Inject EpiPen� or EpiPen� Jr intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. See detailed Directions for Use on the accompanying Patient Instructions.
Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to patient body weight.
EpiPen� Auto-Injector delivers 0.3 mg epinephrine injection (0.3 mL, 1:1000) and is intended for patients who weigh 30 kg or more (approximately 66 pounds or more).
EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector delivers 0.15 mg epinephrine injection (0.3 mL, 1:2000) and is intended for patients who weigh 15 to 30 kg (33 - 66 pounds).
Each EpiPen� or EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector contains a single dose of epinephrine. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from EpiPen� or EpiPen� Jr Auto-Injector are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are deemed necessary. The prescriber should carefully assess each patient to determine the most appropriate dose of epinephrine, recognizing the life-threatening nature of the reactions for which this drug is indicated. With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional EpiPen� Auto-Injector may be necessary.
Patients should be instructed to periodically visually inspect the epinephrine solution for particulate matter and discoloration. If the solution contains particulate matter or develops a pinkish color or becomes darker than slightly yellow, the patient should immediately contact their physician for a replacement, since these changes indicate that the effectiveness of the drug product may be decreased.