In January 2012 there was only the orange and blue end caps EPIPEN for the deadly condition of anaphylaxis . It is estimated that one to two % of the USA is subject to this potentially fatal condition. Several studies have shown that 18% to 37% of people experiencing anaphylaxis will need a second Epinephrine dose within five to ten minutes to prevent sever complications and possibly death.  These studies have lead to the number of one out of three episodes needing a second dose or being called “bi aphasic”. The old term for this one out of three episodes needing a second shot of EPI was rebound episode.  In mid 2012 to the public came Auvi-q which has a recorded voice like most AEDs [automatic electrical defibrillators] telling the possibly understandably nervous user how to use the thick credit card shaped injector. 

 

Just available in mid June 2013 is Adrenaclick and its generic version Epinephrine Injection, USP auto-injector which are the smallest, yet still easy to use devices on the market. Now you can carry two single shot Adrenaclicks  or its generic twin version in the space of one EPIPEN.  Two of the trim cases snap together so you can always have two doses available. Some feel like I do that the Adrenaclick is even safer as it has two safety caps [one on each end] instead of EPIPENs just one safety cap. The ORANGE  end [EPIPEN] or RED end [Adrenaclick] have a needle that is “fired” with a spring when it is pressed on the outside middle of the thigh. Both  Adrenaclick  and EPIPEN are held wrapped in the fist with thumb and fingers away from both ends. The needle will fire through clothing but one must avoid solid objects like coins in the pockets. It is important to read devices direction and talk with ones doctor to obtain a prescription and instruction. This device is so life saving that no prescription is required in Canada. 

 

Adrenaclick   was developed from work by a established epinephrine company HOLLISTER-STIER LABORATORIES in about 2005. Their first autoinjector device Twinject was modified to a small one shot device called Adrenaclick that solved the issues some had with Twinject.  Adrenaclick^® is now a trademark of Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC © 2012 Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC Horsham, PA.

 

Epinephrine[EPI]  auto-injectors are an emergency injection ("shot") of epinephrine. It is a medicine used for life-threatening anaphylactic allergic reactions such as severe swelling, breathing problems, or loss of blood pressure.  There is no substitute for EPI and it is the medication of choice according to the three world congress’s on Anaphylaxis.  Anaphylaxis reactions can be caused by stinging and biting insects (bugs), allergy injections, food, medicines, exercise, or unknown causes.  Common causation foods are nuts, soy, milk and shell fish.  Common problem medicines are sulfa drugs,  Iodine products, penicillin and its derivates.  Sometimes a third or more shot is needed so it is critical that the person receiving the epinephrine must go to the nearest hospital and replace without delay the used EPI auto injector. Anaphylaxis is not predictable or testable as to when or if it will occur the first or subsequent times.  If a person has had an episode with any substance, usually a protein, they should avoid that substance at all costs in the future.  Common signs you may see in the patient and symptoms they will feel are reactions such as severe swelling skin issues present in 90% of cases but not all cases. Difficult breathing problems are also very common.  Falling blood pressure indicating cardiac involvement can be  determined  by taking ones blood pressure and seeing systolic pressure, ideally said to be 120, falling or only around 90. The person with this lower pressure is often light headed and often will notice their feet are suddenly cold or cool as there is not enough pressure to keep their feet warm. In unusual cases the patient will have vomiting or nausea or diarrhea.

EPI auto-injector must NEVER be used into your buttock or any other part of your body, other than the middle of the outer side of your thigh (upper leg).  While EPI may be given by manual syringe the auto injector is significantly easier to use and more reliable for most people including tests of medical professionals according to studies by noted anaphylaxis expert Dr. Simmons.  

 

If you think you may be a anaphylaxis potential patient see your doctor. If you have been told you are anaphylactic to any substance always carry two doses of epinephrine and many would say as an auto injector.  Children under 66 pounds usually have two child injectors whose dose's are  while adult dose injectors are usually 0.3 mg.  There are many informational web sites such as Anaphylaxis educators.com, www.foodallergy.org, www.adrenaclick.com,  www.auvi-q.com, www.epinephrineautoinject.com, and www.epipen.com. I suggest you read several of these.