Allergies: Giving yourself an epinephrine shot
How do I give the shot?
- Grasp the epinephrine shot injector in one fist with the black tip pointing down. Do not touch the black tip.
- With the other hand, pull off the gray cap.
- Hold the black tip close to your outer thigh. Swing and jab the black tip into your outer thigh (through clothing if necessary). The injector should be at a 90-degree angle to your thigh.
- Keep the injector in your outer thigh while you slowly count to 5.
- Remove the injector and rub the area where the medicine entered your skin.
- Look at the black tip: If the needle is showing, you received the dose. If not, you need to repeat steps 3 through 5. It is normal for most of the liquid to be left in the injector. Do not try to inject the remaining liquid.
- After the shot, press the needle against a hard surface to bend the needle back. Put the injector back in its case, needle first. Do not put the gray activation cap back on the injector.
- Take the antihistamine tablet in your allergy kit.
You should feel the effects of the medicine almost right away. These will include a rapid heartbeat and nervousness as well as improved breathing. The benefits of the shot usually last 10 to 20 minutes.
In some severe cases, you may need to give a second shot. Your doctor will explain when a second shot is needed. Make sure you understand, and ask questions if you are not sure. Too much epinephrine can cause serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing.
Test Your Knowledge
I don't like the idea of giving myself a shot. If I have an allergic reaction, I can just go to the hospital.
Continue to
Where to go from here
Return to
| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA | Last Updated: March 9, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
 | ||
| |