accidentally stabbed myself with epipen

Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, 30 yr sufferer-most foods and environmental allergens. The Epipen can as a result of this increase in blood pressure cause quick heartbeat, and in the case that your heart is damaged or worsening cardiomegaly, this may lead to atrial flutter, which may lead to an atrial flutter which may lead to fibrillation that could collapse your heart. The Bottom Line. This is important to know if you normally have high blood pressure. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. )Aug 27, 2019. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid self-injury while using your EpiPen: Always follow instructions printed on your medication bottle. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. If you do happen to get hit by a shock wave, try not to touch anything with metal objects inside it because you don't want those charges to go somewhere else. Police . Learn how we can help. Even if you do inject yourself, youll still need to get to an emergency room. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. 10.1097/00006534-200107000-00017. 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. Yang ended up being a liability because she didn't take the time to think. Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. Aside from this, there are also risks of an accidental injection in and of itself. But if you do this article can help make sure you know what to do. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many pharmacies aren't licenced to take back medications for disposal. Place the orange tip on the thigh. Ive battled environmental allergies for years and I always carry an Epipen with me. If the finger is looking white, this would warrant going to an . This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( Young people are also more likely to have their fingers near the injection site when they use drugs intramuscularly (in their muscles). If your heart is weak and you get a big enough flood of natural adrenaline, you can faint, or get a heart arrhythmia, a heart attack, or a stroke. Epinephrine autoinjector devices are used with increasing frequency to treat severe anaphylactic reactions. I am allergic to bees so I've always had epipens. Always wear protective gear when giving injections, and never give an injection in the back of the neck or anywhere near the heart. spstarke. How often does a Cessna require an engine overhaul? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Ive mixed up my Epipen and trainer before but Ive always figured out which is which. Very glad to hear that you were there to help, and that you had a backup injector! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Then I suddenly registered that - wait a second - that doesn't look right. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? Plast Reconstr Surg. Keep the wound clean and dry. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Yep, been there done that. Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 44, 1011, Lausanne-CHUV, Switzerland, Christian Mathez,Bernard Favrat&Philippe Staeger, You can also search for this author in The charge on your body will move through any water that comes into contact with it, allowing you to get shocked without being close to a person. As soon as he noticed the needle in his leg he pulled it out. My son's have always been. You should take special care not to walk through puddles of water when out of doors, otherwise you might get hurt from the electrical current flowing through the ground. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Sorry there was an error savinig your comment. Or confusing the red-colored granola bar wrapper (chocolate) and the orange-colored one (peanut butter) during a chaotic morning (stab No. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not because it hurt but because it felt different than normal. So I grabbed the Epi-pen from him and took a closer look. Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. 1 What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? In summary, follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to yourself: Carefully remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube. The most common injury related to self-injection is pain at the injection site. 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. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Hold the injector in your fist with the needle end (usually red or orange) away from your . There will always be the chance of unknowingly scarfing down pecan-laced strawberry pie at a family gathering (stab No. From recent research I came to the conclusion to soak my thigh in warm water. Thankfully I havent had to use it Ive practiced a lot though. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | Dust Mite Solutions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Chris May's son and fellow students at . I only received a third of a junior dose. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? 4 What happens if you stab a nerve in your hand? What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Then you can just throw the case away. By using this website, you agree to our California Privacy Statement, If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? Part of It never hurts to refresh your memory on how to use your childs epinephrine shot. Just found an old Epipen in my car. 1. Mild electric shock reactions are transient tingles and jolts, while more extreme reactions can cause significant discomfort and even burns. Each EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of epinephrine. This is called "indoor electrostatic discharge" (ESD). 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. PubMed 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. :). 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. Press J to jump to the feed. WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Mehr S, Robinson M, Tang M: Doctor - how do I use my EpiPen?. "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. Alain Pcoud is thanked for critically reviewing the manuscript. 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. 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. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. If you don't understand any of the instructions, ask your pharmacist for help. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. It does not store any personal data. Troy Madsen settles your childhood fears about pencil-related injuries. report some recovery [6]. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. then get accidentally stabbed with it. What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? Dr. Yash Khanna answered. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . May described his son as turning bright red in color, and said he was sweating profusely by the time he arrived at the hospital. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. I try so hard to keep it together. The practice pen that I had looked almost identical to the real thing. Hello, my name is Elaina and Im 16 years old. Thus far Ive been lucky. While reading the operating instructions, he attempted to launch the needle but erroneously placed his left thumb over the needle opening. Whether you are new to food allergies and want to get to know our products, or you need help with a lifestyle change, for new ideas to . 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Anyone who unintentionally injects himself or herself with insulin could experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as nervousness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. Dp says this is just to be expected but I'm worried I've damaged the circulation or something. 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. Some inks may cause soreness in the mouth. I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. Im sure there are many more hypothetical situations but these are the few I could come up with. The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if you're under age 10 or over 70.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In fact, research shows that people who accidentally inject themselves are about three times more likely to suffer a severe reaction than are adults who intentionally inject themselves. 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. If you handle electric shock devices without thinking about what you're doing, you could be risking serious injury. J Emerg Med. Velissariou et al. 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. McGovern SJ: Treatment of accidental digital injection of adrenaline from an auto-injector device. How much does it cost to build a house 450 sq ft? Yikes! 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. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Reduced blood flow implies less oxygen reaching the tissue. 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. Terms and Conditions, CAS Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road. https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268. EpiPens contain epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens a persons airways in their lungs. 2001, 108: 114-124. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Never reuse needles/syringes that have been used for injecting insulin or other medications. 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90028-1. I hope for her sake it wears off soon like she hopes. Article The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Pack the wound. What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? This however, is the worst-case scenario. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and can trigger heart arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In the event of an unintentional injection, seek medical care right away. Article This however, is the worst-case scenario. Doctor Ricky Brown breaks down the best things you can do to avoid an accidental stab with an Epipen so you don't accidentally stick yourself and overdose on. That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. However, this is the worst-case situation. It says it expired in 2007. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Make sure your fingers arent close to either end of the auto-injector. Fresh, clean water is best if there is no saline on-hand. Life-saving auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis. EpiPen has several resources to teach patients about the proper use of epinephrine shots. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. 2007, 2: 5-11. 7). Chris May's son and fellow students at McDevitt Middle School were learning how the device would work for someone having an allergic reaction. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. In preparation for this article, I tried to find data on the amount of Americans who currently have EpiPens a medical device used to self-inject an emergency dose of epinephrine to treat life . Once injected epinephrine will: Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? Some doctors may want to see you to ensure youre alright. What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? If youre at home, a friends house, or at a party, make sure you tell someone that youve injected yourself with an Epipen. Giving yourself an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. If you are looking for additional tips on epinephrine at school, we have several additional blog posts you might enjoy: Your email address will not be published. Ive also practiced using the Epipen in the doctors office (the trainer). . Here, EpiPen's are pictured in a two-pack August 16, 2016 . I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. Call them and ask before you go down there. Subcutaneous injection of terbutaline to reverse vasospasm has been reported once [7]. There are a few situations that come to mind when answering this question. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. What does a blood sugar level of 1000 mean? 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3). No need to use antiseptics or disinfectants. How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? Since epinephrine induces a vasoconstriction through an alpha adrenergic effect, the use of phentolamine seems logical. I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. All Rights Reserved. J Am Med Assoc. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. Ive carried it around for years, just in case something were to happen. Hand sanitizer overuse can cause dry, cracked skin, as well as redness, discolouration, and flaking. Dry and cover the wound. You may even want to print out the instructions and keep them in a handy place (for example, fold it up and keep it with the epinephrine shot). CJEM. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). Cookies policy. 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. I recently accidentally stabbed myself in the leg with my old and expired epipen. An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The big problem is that it is psychologically difficult to stab yourself with the strength and follow-through that are necessary to drive the blade in all the way. However, these devices are not without risk: myocardial infarction from injected epinephrine has been reported [1]. Once a year Ill get my new Epipen and practice with the trainer. 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. However, you don't want to be washing your hands with them constantly because the concentration decreases rapidly with time. Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. Epinephrine can kill you. Seek emergency medical treatment if this occurs. Rinse and wash the area well with running water and soap. Find everything you need to know about Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Hi Alice, Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. PubMed Central You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. After 8 hours, the entire finger was pink and warm, either because of the decreasing effect of epinephrine after 90 minutes [2], or because of the delayed effect of the attempted treatment. [4] 4. For children and adults who experience anaphylaxis, an epinephrine shot is a matter of life or death. J Med Case Reports 3, 7268 (2009). The injection sight was sore, blotchy, and slightly numb. (Needless to say I dumped that dose and got a fresh syringe for the cat :lol: :lol: ) 10.1001/archfami.3.2.193. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? 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. It can also be harmful if consumed or goes into your eyes. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, often to ordinary things like bee stings, peanut butter, or antibiotics. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hopefully, you can remain calm, notify people in the immediate vicinity, and seek medical advice quickly. Burkhart KK: The reversal of the ischemic effects of epinephrine on a finger with local injections of phentolamine. My brother did something similar in middle school cause for some reason he though my epipen was the case for the thermometer. 3. 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! Your injection can be a reason for concern if injected in the hands, feet, or digits. Patients who have an acute allergic reaction can immediately inject epinephrine with them, reversing peripheral vasodilation, edema, constriction of the airways, and myocardial depression. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Here are some tips to help. What happens if you inject yourself with an EpiPen in your arm? Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it? Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where . What to do. 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. 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 The recent energy lasted about 3 hours overall. This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. Remove the device from your thigh . Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. What is the difference between an Australian citizen and an Australian permanent resident? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Finally, wash your hands after using the restroom; this is where you're likely to spread germs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Hi Lace, Journal of Medical Case Reports If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. However, this is the worst-case situation. After 20-30 minutes the blotchiness has faded and my leg felt a bit better. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not . authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. I hope you dont have to use an Epipen and I hope you never use an Epipen without needing it. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The incidence is about 1 per 50,000 Epipen units [3]. Accidentally injecting EpiPen into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness. What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? If you alone call your local doctors office or allergist its never a bad idea to let them know the mistake. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. Should I go to the hospital if I stabbed my hand? injected "[this mixture] subcutaneously into the site [of accidental epinephrine injection,] and stop as soon as the skin becomes pink". Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. the cut is deep or exposes subcutaneous tissue. This however, is the worst-case scenario. 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? Denkler K: A comprehensive review of epinephrine in the finger: to do or not to do. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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! 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. Again, hold the thing in your clenched fist, fingers and thumbs away from either end. My allergist has plenty of trainers laying around the office and they use a permanent marker to write trainer on practice injectors. Which is a uniquely modern human Homo sapiens trait? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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 . This may cause the real yellow EpiPen or real green EpiPen Jr auto-injector to accidentally activate. Plast Reconstr Surg. But everything else seems normal. Many people don't realize that after using the pen, you still must call 911 and get emergency medical attention, just in case you need back-up treatment. As Teddy expected, Cristina began to work too quickly and wasn't careful with the instruments. Should you go to the emergency room immediately? This however, is the worst-case scenario. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Google Scholar. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. 1998, 160: 6531-6532. This will help prevent your skin from drying out due to constant exposure to high levels of alcohol. It does not store any personal data. statement and The only symptoms I experienced was: shock realizing what I had done, energy that lasted a few hours, slight shaking, some pain at the injection sight, and slight numbing of my 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. 5 What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? The EpiPen injection, contrary to popular perception, may be administered through clothes. A commonplace for discussion, news, advice and questions with fellow sufferers. If you have expired epipens at your house you should take them to your pharmacy so they can be disposed of properly instead of just throwing them away. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Your automatic instinct is to flinch or hold back to spare yourself the pain. 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. I pulled the pen away right after injecting the medicine. The rate of accidental injection of epinephrine from autoinjectors has increased worldwide. Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. EpiPen pro tips. You might think that would never happen, but it happens all the time and some people use their Epi a lot! This however, is the worst-case scenario. Large amounts of ink swallowed from a bottle could be irritant, but serious poisoning has not been reported.". Keep your hand and fingers away from the needle end. Yet today, I managed to crack the backboard on my driveway .

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