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. A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). The next day I took the used epipen and the unused one to my pharmacy to have them disposed of properly because I didnt want anyone getting hurt from me just throwing them in the garbage. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? 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. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. What happens if you stab someone with an EpiPen? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Saff R, Nahhas A, Fink JN: Myocardial infarction induced by coronary vasospasm after self-administration of epinephrine. He developed swelling, pallor, and pain in the thumb. Fitzcharles-Bowe C, Denkler K, Lalonde D: Finger injection with high-dose (1:1,000) epinephrine: does it cause finger necrosis and should it be treated?. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? What does a blood sugar level of 1000 mean? Dry and cover the wound. 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Your email address will not be published. I pulled the pen away right after injecting the medicine. Most suicides approach the problem is a way to give themselves . injected "[this mixture] subcutaneously into the site [of accidental epinephrine injection,] and stop as soon as the skin becomes pink". 3). It can also be harmful if consumed or goes into your eyes. Case presentation A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). If you pierce or puncture your skin with a used needle, follow this first aid advice immediately: encourage the wound to bleed, ideally by holding it under running water. The provider orders an injection of a vasodilator to the digit, and documents a diagnosis of "Accidental epinephrine injection to L thumb". So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. In one way or another, you find yourself punctured with a freshly sharpened No. Help. Or confusing the red-colored granola bar wrapper (chocolate) and the orange-colored one (peanut butter) during a chaotic morning (stab No. You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Springer Nature. What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? He complained of pain and paresthesia in the thumb. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection. CAS Accidental injection, usually involving a finger, is a potential complication. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. J Am Med Assoc. Clean any accidental sticks right away. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. Most accidental injections (an estimated 94%) occur when a patient or someone trying to help them accidentally jabs their finger or thumb[2]. Finally, make sure no one is stuck in any doorways or passages before you use the shock pen because you don't want to send a current through them too. Kids are observant. CAS This event also highlights the importance for all doctors to gain quick access to information in the case of unusual presentation. Case 1: A 15-year-old boy found an EpiPen on a bus. An EpiPen or EpiPen Jr auto-injector that has been activated by accident cannot be used for a patient in an emergency and must be replaced. How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I think that the tester should be much more clearly marked, we had someone at work who was trying to show us how to help her in case of emergency and she accidentally used the tester and accidentally injected herself with the live pen. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The epi-pen was expired, therefore, he thought the needle would not come out. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) 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? Warnings for Shock Pens Shock pens may be sold as harmless pranks, but they have the potential to cause injury. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. The tester should look altogether different from the actual pen with a vivid color or other markings. Hold firmly against your thigh for 3 seconds for EpiPen and its generic, 5 seconds for Auvi-Q, or 10 seconds for generic Adrenaclick to deliver the medication. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not . Part of 2004, 21: 387-388. He accidentally discharged the contents of the spring-loaded syringe into his thumb; and the needle was twisted into the distal tip of his finger. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? 11% of children weighing 15 to 30 kg showed a risk of intraosseous injection (hitting the bone) with EpiPen Jr or Auvi-Q 0,15 mg; and 38% of children with Jext 0,15 mg. EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. What is the difference between an Australian citizen and an Australian permanent resident? 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Can you use an EpiPen if you have high blood pressure? 4 What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection? Denkler K: A comprehensive review of epinephrine in the finger: to do or not to do. If the wound was left open or if stitches were used, clean the wound daily: If surgical tape was used, keep the area clean and dry. As of 2016, it was estimated that more than three million people in the US had a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector; A medical student has gone viral by detailing the correct way to use an EpiPen - after watching a video of a clueless girl accidentally stabbing herself in the finger while trying to administer the medicine to a friend. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? In a hurry, Christina grabbed a syringe full of epinephrine and directed it to the patient's heart without looking. 10.1007/s11552-006-9012-4. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here are some tips to help. . Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road. Press J to jump to the feed. Google Scholar. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen. Are you in danger of lead poisoning? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Article At Dust Mite Solutions we try to answer the most important questions you have about allergies. Dr. Hansen has worked in hospitals for over 20 years and is a highly respected surgeon. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Because an EpiPen is an auto-injector, the needle shoots out as soon as the cap is taken off, so if you squeeze or touch it, you may get the injection in your thumb instead, which causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in inadequate blood flow. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? )Aug 27, 2019. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mL of a 1:1000 epinephrine solution for injection. What do you do if you accidentally inject yourself with an EpiPen? Velissariou et al. Since epinephrine induces a vasoconstriction through an alpha adrenergic effect, the use of phentolamine seems logical. An ironic side note: An estimated 10% of accidental epinephrine injections occur when healthcare providers demonstrate how to use the injector to their patients! Implicit in epinephrine autoinjector prescriptions is that physicians and pharmacists are confident that the patient or a relative can adequately use the device, and that the patient is aware of the potential dangers of incorrect administration. Correspondence to A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection. He . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Luckily I had 2. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. The only way to prevent hypoglycemia is by avoiding injections into damaged skin, using a sterile needle, syringe, and vial every time you dose your insulin. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. Use them safely to prevent finger sticks. 29/07/2008 23:27. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In the event of accidental injection, you should always seek medical attention. 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! Once a year Ill get my new Epipen and practice with the trainer. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Reduced blood flow implies less oxygen reaching the tissue. Peripheral perfusion is restored usually in less than 5 minutes. This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( I try so hard to keep it together. Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where . You might feel anxious. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall: Does Season of Birth Affect the Risk for Developing Allergies? This is important to know if you normally have high blood pressure. :). But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). The rate of accidental injection of epinephrine from autoinjectors has increased worldwide. Of course, that was until I accidentally stabbed myself in the thumb with an Epipen needle. If you did not hear a click, that person may not have received any medication. An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. Step 2 Trainer injection simulation by self (Figure C) or caregiver (Figure D) administration These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. They're complaining of numbness in their thumb and say "it is turning white". I hope for her sake it wears off soon like she hopes. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. Your blood pressure will rise. Such wounds will generally . 1997, 14: 379-380. Young people are also more likely to have their fingers near the injection site when they use drugs intramuscularly (in their muscles). 2. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Greene AK: Management of epinephrine injection injury to the digit. WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90028-1. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Phentolamine is used to control blood pressure during surgery for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, when the tumor releases catecholamines because of manipulation and the stress of surgery. Google Scholar. Isn't the practice pen visually quite different? 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. Little electric shocks can cause injury or disease if you come into contact with them directly. 1990, 8: 46-47. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? Maguire WM, Reisdorff EJ, Smith D, Wiegenstein JG: Epinephrine-induced vasospasm reversed by phentolamine digital block. Medication Administration: When preparing to give meds to a patient: always look up any medication you are unfamiliar with (so that you know why you are giving the medication and so you will know possible s/s) Use only medications in a clearly labeled container. The most common problems were 1) not holding the auto-injector in place long enough; 2) pressing the wrong end into the thigh; and 3) using too little force to inject into the thigh. 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? What happens if you inject an EpiPen by accident? Seek immediate medical attention in the case of an accidental injection. Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. EpiPen has several resources to teach patients about the proper use of epinephrine shots. Hinterberger JW, Kintzi HE: Phentolamine reversal of epinephrine-induced digital vasospasm. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The effects may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. Journal of Medical Case Reports You should seek emergency medical help immediately you use the injection. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It can be given while wearing pants. What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go . My wife accidentally stuck her finger and now its white, cold, numb and wrinkly like she just got out of the tub but refuses to seek medical attention. Wash it. It's just that there isn't that much lead in the pencil lead, if any (see wikipedia entry below). Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. Use your EpiPen at the first sign of anaphylaxis. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Maybe theyve watched you practice using your Epi or maybe theyve seen the picture instructions on the box. Although hand sanitizer has been shown to be effective in killing germs, its usage might have unintended consequences. They will advise you on next steps to ensure your safety. Stier PA, Bogner MP, Webster K, Leikin JB, Burda A: Use of subcutaneous terbutaline to reverse peripheral ischemia. For those of you who don't know, an Epipen is a crazy large needle carried by people with food allergies in the event they eat a peanut or something. Required fields are marked *. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, often to ordinary things like bee stings, peanut butter, or antibiotics. Family Medicine 58 years experience. What is the difference between EpiPen doses? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. My brother did something similar in middle school cause for some reason he though my epipen was the case for the thermometer. Article 12/13/17 AT 5:36 PM EST. Emerg Med J. Should I go to the hospital if I stabbed my hand? The victim will likely experience pain when the wound is being cleaned so if the person is conscious, give her/him a warning. This will help prevent your skin from drying out due to constant exposure to high levels of alcohol. His blood pressure was 175/85 mmHg, heart rate 80/minute, and respiratory rate 16/minute. What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? NAPLES, Fla. - A Florida woman stabbed her sister with an EpiPen as the two were drinking together because she's "allergic to drunks," according to the Naples Police Department. EpiPens contain epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens a persons airways in their lungs. In cases like that, a quick call to the doctor or a visit to an urgent care center might be a good idea, even if it's just for reassurance. If you don't follow correct procedure, you could end up hurting the person who needs the medication. I called my moms best friend who is an ER nurse and she said as long as thats the only symptoms I have and I dont feel any different I would be okay. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. volume3, Articlenumber:7268 (2009) So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. J Accid Emerg Med. PubMedGoogle Scholar. J Emerg Med. Symptoms of breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments. This can reduce blood flow to the area. Idk man.Background Music:Wii musicSub Count: 308Sub Goal: 500 . Hand. I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. Hi there! This however, is the worst-case scenario. Alain Pcoud is thanked for critically reviewing the manuscript. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. It was funny cause he has ADHD and it actually made him act kinda stoned for a bit. Exapno_Mapcase April 19, 2008, 9:02pm #5. But everything else seems normal. Google Scholar. Ugeskr Laeger. Teaching your child about social distancing. The school district said it is investigating the incident and are reviewing school-wide procedures to make sure something similar does not happen again. 2 What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. Pack the wound. When it comes to allergies everyone experiences different types of symptoms and Ive rarely had respiratory symptoms that affected my breathing. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. 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. Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. Wear gloves when working with hazardous materials to prevent contamination. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The entire digit was cool and pale, and a prolonged capillary refill time was seen at more than 10 s (Figure 1). Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. There was full recovery 2 months after the accident. However, the surgery proved it was Jackson after Cristina messed up. Its use is limited by adverse side effects such as hypotension and tachycardia, requiring adequate pre-hydration. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What happens if you stick yourself with an EpiPen accidentally? If the wound was left open or if stitches were used, clean the wound daily: If surgical tape was used, keep the area clean and dry. (Needless to say I dumped that dose and got a fresh syringe for the cat :lol: :lol: ) The content you are trying to access is intended for healthcare professionals only. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. At the ER they usually only watch you for safety purposes and since I didnt need the ER my mom stayed up until 1am with me to make sure I was safe. The drug wasn't supposed to be inside of the EpiPen an 11-year-old boy stabbed himself with during health class. When I went to grab it to throw it out it opened and stabbed me in my palm right under my thumb. Chris May's son and fellow students at . Hi Lace, The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. Video: The life-saving skill EVERYONE should have: Medical student reveals exactly how to use an EpiPen - after watching viral video of a girl stabbing HERSELF while trying to help a sick friend Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. Accidental Injections of Epinephrine (EpiPen). Use a sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover the wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing. However, I was still feeling very energized. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. In summary, follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to yourself: Carefully remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. 3. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Ive followed suit and do the same when I receive a new Epipen. After injecting an EpiPen, hearing a click lets you know it worked. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He specializes in orthopedic surgery, cancer treatment, and general surgical procedures. 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. The thought of using an Epipen can be disconcerting however if you have a horrible allergic reaction you might be more than happy to use it! Again, hold the thing in your clenched fist, fingers and thumbs away from either end. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.