The following article written by Dr. Scott Sicherer, Director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai New York.

The article provides critical information on administering the Epipen for severe allergic reaction. First off,

the allergy population should have 2 Epitpens available to ensure full safety measures are available. The

importance of using a second Epipen and where to use it is also outlined . A second dose is needed if

severe reaction is not subsiding from the first dose and must be placed in the other thigh as the area of

the first dose is already saturated. Thanks to Allergic Living for providing this article.

January 3 at 3:43 PM  · 

Epinephrine should be injected into the middle of the outer thigh muscle (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh, with or without clothing.

DO NOT put your thumb on top of the autoinjector.

The administration of epinephrine into the muscle will provide a more rapid increase in its concentration in the blood and tissues, compared to being administered into subcutaneous tissue. And during an anaphylactic reaction, the fast uptake of epinephrine is critical.

Also, the thigh muscle is one of the body’s largest muscles with good blood supply. Because of this, it allows faster absorption of the epinephrine.

What if you need a SECOND DOSE of epi?

Does it have to be the opposite thigh? Ideally, yes.

Dr. Scott Sicherer says, “The suggestion to give a second dose in the opposite leg is made based on the idea that epinephrine causes blood vessels to get smaller (constrict), which can temporarily reduce local blood flow. If the second dose was given in the same spot, theoretically, the drug might not reach the blood circulation as rapidly as the first injection because of the reduced blood flow.”

When Should You Give a Second Dose?

If symptoms don’t improve or if they worsen between 5 and 15 minutes after the first injection, it’s time for the second dose. This is why it’s critical to #AlwaysCarryTwo epinephrine devices, whether it’s an auto-injector or nasal spray. Every minute counts.

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Quote from Dr. Scott Sicherer is from the @allergicliving article below. Dr. Sicherer is a practicing allergist, clinical researcher and professor of pediatrics. He is Director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute and Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. For more info, visit https://www.allergicliving.com/…/should-a-second-dose…/

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