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Emergency treatments for anaphylaxis

Epinephrine is the most widely used treatment for someone experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Oxygen may also be administered by a paramedic or doctor. Immediate recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is extremely important.1

Epinephrine should be administered promptly at the onset of apparent anaphylaxis.1 If you, or someone in your care, has previously had an anaphylactic reaction you may already be carrying an auto-injector.2 Once epinephrine has been injected, the next step is to call 911 and make sure that emergency services are on the way. Whether or not you have an auto-injector, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Preventing anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is best prevented by avoiding any of the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Here are some tips that can help you do that3:

  • Always check food labels for ingredients
  • At restaurants, ask the waiter about the cooking area and the ingredients used in the meal before ordering
  • Limit mowing the lawn or time spent gardening if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings
  • Try not to wear things that attract insects, such as bright clothes, hair spray, or perfume

You may want to wear a medical ID bracelet that will alert people to your problem should you have an anaphylactic reaction. Speak with your doctor about carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.3

Indication

Adrenaclick® (epinephrine injection, USP) is indicated in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants), and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitos), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media), and other allergens, as well as anaphylaxis to unknown substances (idiopathic anaphylaxis) or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Adrenaclick® is intended for immediate administration in patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions. Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to patient body weight. Such reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm, pruritus, rashes, urticaria, or angioedema.

Important Safety Information about Adrenaclick®

Adrenaclick® should only be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. DO NOT INJECT INTO BUTTOCK. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY.

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In patients with coronary insufficiency or ischemic heart disease, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias. It should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation.

Adverse reactions to epinephrine include transient, moderate anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache, and/or respiratory difficulties.

The effects of epinephrine may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, sodium levothyroxine, and certain antihistamines, notably chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, and diphenhydramine.

Adrenaclick® is designed as an emergency supportive therapy only and is not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical care.

Since the dose of epinephrine delivered from Adrenaclick® is fixed, the physician should consider other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than those available from Adrenaclick® are felt to be necessary (e.g., patients who weigh less than 15 kilograms, approximately 33 pounds).

IN ALL CASES, THE PHYSICIAN SHOULD INSTRUCT THE PATIENT AND/OR ANY OTHER PERSON WHO MIGHT BE IN A POSITION TO ADMINISTER THE EPINEPHRINE, IN THE PROPER USE OF Adrenaclick®.

Click here for full Prescribing Information for Adrenaclick®

For more information about Adrenaclick® ask your doctor or call 1-888-894-6528. Ask your doctor if Adrenaclick® may be right for you.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Go to www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.