accidentally stabbed myself with epipen

My three-year-old son once found an EpiPen on the counter and thought it was the practice EpiPen that we allow him to play with. Reduced blood flow implies less oxygen reaching the tissue. WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. pain and swelling at the injection site. Self-administrated shots of epinephrine (often referred to by the brand name EpiPen or epinephrine pen) are life-saving devices which can halt an allergic reaction and give a patient time to get to a hospital. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? Place the orange tip on the thigh. J Am Med Assoc. Hand sanitizer overuse can cause dry, cracked skin, as well as redness, discolouration, and flaking. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include temporary numbness or tingling, pain and swelling at the injection site, elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. So I grabbed the Epi-pen from him and took a closer look. Talk with your doctor about how you can best control symptoms of your illness. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? 10.1016/0735-6757(90)90295-B. Most people understand that an Epipen contains epinephrine. Springer Nature. In the emergency room, his thumb was cold and pale. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid self-injury while using your EpiPen: Always follow instructions printed on your medication bottle. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". How to Avoid an Epipen Accidental Stab #shorts - YouTube 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. 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. stabbing yourself with an Epipen | The Nervous Breakdown What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off? What Happens When Your 3 Year Old Shoots Himself With an Epi-pen Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. 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). 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? 3 What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? I am allergic to bees so I've always had epipens. statement and 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. What happens if you stab someone with an EpiPen? Sometimes they dont improve hours or days later. Velissariou et al. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I only received a third of a junior dose. 2007, 18: 448-452. 29/07/2008 23:27. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. What happens if you inject yourself with an EpiPen in your arm? 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. What happens if you get stabbed with a pen? - Wise-Answer The Bottom Line. Our pediatrician recommended stabbing old expired epi pens into an orange - apparently its a similar feel to actually using one in the leg and its good practice if youve luckily never had to fire one off. Some doctors may want to see you to ensure youre alright. Accidental Needle Stick: Chance of Infection, First Aid, Prevention - WebMD It can be given while wearing pants. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Epinephrine (Injection Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic Like many drugs, there might be side effects from epinephrine, such as anxiety, dizziness, and sweating, and swelling, pain, or changes in skin color at the injection site because of decreased blood flow to the area. Hold the injector in your fist with the needle end (usually red or orange) away from your . Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. 10.1136/emj.2003.005462. EpiPen: Package Insert / Prescribing Information - Drugs.com If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. The tester should look altogether different from the actual pen with a vivid color or other markings. The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection. If you alone call your local doctors office or allergist its never a bad idea to let them know the mistake. Such wounds will generally . The epi-pen was expired, therefore, he thought the needle would not come out. What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? Thus far Ive been lucky. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. Why did a physician put his thumb over the EpiPen? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Article Should you go to the emergency room immediately? According to the EpiPens manufacturer labeling, after injection the pen should be held in place for three seconds then removed. It can also be harmful if consumed or goes into your eyes. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. I hope for her sake it wears off soon like she hopes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Over the years, I've gotten a lot better at wielding an EpiPen. If the contents of the needle splashed to nose, mouth, face or other skin areas, wash them well with soap. I don't recommend that anyone use epinephrine unless it's absolutely necessary, but I did take away some positive lessons. If epinephrine is accidentally injected into tiny locations such as the fingers and hands, blood vessels constrict at the site of injection. . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. Troy Madsen settles your childhood fears about pencil-related injuries. No do not worry: Nothing will happen, just your heart may start beating faster for few minutes and than back to normal. Can You Get Ink Poisoning from a Pen? | The Truth Exposed This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( My son's have always been. 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 sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. So I grabbed it, popped the lid off, and stabbed my outer thigh. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. Chris May's son and fellow students at . What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? . Denkler K: A comprehensive review of epinephrine in the finger: to do or not to do. I accidentally stabbed myself with my old and expired epipen I accidentally stabbed myself with EpiPen by accident. What - Quora Health class lesson ends with 11-year-old accidentally stabbing self Children weighing less than 30 kgDose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Rinse and wash the area well with running water and soap. What happens if you inject an EpiPen by accident? You'll feel a rush of energy. Adults and children weighing 30 kilograms (kg) or more0.3 to 0.5 milligram (mg) injected under the skin or into the muscle of your thigh. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You hold it in the middle of your clenched fist . Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. 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. There will always be the chance of unknowingly scarfing down pecan-laced strawberry pie at a family gathering (stab No. The rate of accidental injection of epinephrine from autoinjectors has increased worldwide. What do you do if you accidentally inject yourself with an EpiPen? In conclusion, epinephrine can be given through clothes but only if you know what you're doing. 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. The practice pen that I had looked almost identical to the real thing. A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. Topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators, and immersion in warm water were attempted unsuccessfully. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Burkhart KK: The reversal of the ischemic effects of epinephrine on a finger with local injections of phentolamine. 1. Unintentional injection of epinephrine into fingers or hands can cause limited blood flow and injury. Florida woman accused of drunkenly stabbing sister with EpiPen, says 10.1097/01.PRS.0000162160.26682.6E. When she didnt respond I said it was an emergency. 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. Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries. Accidental EpiPen injections becoming more common | Reuters 3). Dry and cover the wound. We reviewed the treatment of accidental epinephrine injection, and found that the use of parenteral adrenergic alpha blocker phentolamine would have produced immediate recovery. We are planning to do this with a bunch at our next family gathering so anyone who might be around our son can have some practice. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Flush splashes of blood and needle contents on other parts of your body with water. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. How 12 EpiPens Saved My Life - The New York Times An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. I have officially learned my lesson and will never do anything like this again. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Ive followed suit and do the same when I receive a new Epipen. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. I havent had to use mine, however, I still carry around the expensive auto-injector. Seek immediate medical attention in the case of an accidental injection. What I stabbed myself with. What is the difference between EpiPen doses? The most common injury related to self-injection is pain at the injection site. Aside from this, there are also risks of an accidental injection in and of itself. CM, PS and BF have made substantial contributions to conception, design, writing the manuscript and literature review. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. I hope you dont have to use an Epipen and I hope you never use an Epipen without needing it. Just how much does an EpiPen hurt? When I went to grab it to throw it out it opened and stabbed me in my palm right under my thumb. Five years later at sleep-away camp in New Hampshire, it was . WALTHAM, Massachusetts -- Some scary moments unfolded after an 11-year-old accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen during a health class lesson. The entire digit was cool and pale, and a prolonged capillary refill time was seen at more than 10 s (Figure 1). A mix-up during health class left a 11-year-old boy in a Massachusetts hospital after he accidentally stabbed himself with a real EpiPen. A commonplace for discussion, news, advice and questions with fellow sufferers. Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one - but make sure you know how to use it correctly first; call 999 for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better) - mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis Wear gloves when working with hazardous materials to prevent contamination. Accidentally stabbed myself with expired Epipen. Help. : AskDocs - Reddit If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go for 5 full minutes by the clock. However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. Correspondence to Kaspersen J, Vedsted P: [Accidental injection of adrenaline in a finger with EpiPen]. Luckily, the doctors performed emergency procedures and were able to restart it. What happens if you stab a nerve in your hand? The EpiPen injection, contrary to popular perception, may be administered through clothes. 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. It never hurts to refresh your memory on how to use your childs epinephrine shot. The recent energy lasted about 3 hours overall. Then you can just throw the case away. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Giving yourself an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Article 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. I recommend not being weird like me and deciding to stab yourself with your old practice epipen like me, because it might be the real one with a needle and not the practice one. If you have sensitive skin, try using a less abrasive soap instead of hand sanitizer. J Emerg Med. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. 1997, 14: 379-380. What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? What happens if you inject EpiPen by accident? What should you do 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. Can you get lead poisond from stabbing yourself w/ a - HealthTap I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. However, I was still feeling very energized. 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. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Thankfully I havent had to use it Ive practiced a lot though. You might feel anxious. Required fields are marked *. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ann Allergy. 5 Should you go to ER after using EpiPen? 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. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . 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 Next, aim for the middle of the outer thigh, holding it at a right angle to the thigh. Yikes! 2023 Nutricia North America. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Either way, glad you're OK! Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Case 1: A 15-year-old boy found an EpiPen on a bus. What is the difference between an Australian citizen and an Australian permanent resident? PubMed Exam 3 outline - Exam 3 outline: Diagnostic Testing: Erythrocytes- (red What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Anyone who unintentionally injects himself or herself with insulin could experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as nervousness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. Formal training should be provided to all health professionals who prescribe or issue epinephrine autoinjectors. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Your blood pressure will rise. Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. Introduction Epinephrine autoinjector devices are used with increasing frequency to treat severe anaphylactic reactions. How to Avoid Dangerous EpiPen Mistakes - Consumer Reports Its not pleasant to think about. My son, 10 yrs. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The effects may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. Young people are also more likely to have their fingers near the injection site when they use drugs intramuscularly (in their muscles). What happens if you give yourself epinephrine? Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses Puncture Wound Care. Mild electric shock reactions are transient tingles and jolts, while more extreme reactions can cause significant discomfort and even burns. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Ive carried it around for years, just in case something were to happen. For about ten seconds. do not suck the wound. If you don't follow correct procedure, you could end up hurting the person who needs the medication. Yet today, I managed to crack the backboard on my driveway . Theyre used via a stab to the thigh, so that the drugs can get to work ASAP. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person. What experience do you need to become a teacher? I decided against it. Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. Google Scholar. In rare cases, this might result in a serious injury. Call first to speak to a nurse or doctor then take their advice on whether you need to visit the medical office. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Can you use an EpiPen if you have high blood pressure? How can you prevent yourself from sticking yourself with an EpiPen? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Here are some tips to help. Yep, been there done that. Fresh, clean water is best if there is no saline on-hand. If you handle electric shock devices without thinking about what you're doing, you could be risking serious injury. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection.