accidentally stabbed myself with epipen

No need to use antiseptics or disinfectants. The treatment consists of removing the needle from the device and replacing it with a new one. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you alone call your local doctors office or allergist its never a bad idea to let them know the mistake. Ive broken out in hives a few times and Ive wondered if I needed to use my Epipen. In conclusion, epinephrine can be given through clothes but only if you know what you're doing. )Aug 27, 2019. Do you have to go to the hospital if you use an EpiPen? What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Questions about EpiPens Answered - UK Meds 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tips on epinephrine at school, we have several additional blog posts you might enjoy: Your email address will not be published. The incidence is about 1 per 50,000 Epipen units [3]. For best results, ask your childs healthcare team to demonstrate how to properly use an epinephrine shot[3]. What does a blood sugar level of 1000 mean? Epi pens can have side effects. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 1994, 3: 193-195. 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90028-1. In this article, Ill share what to do if youve used an Epipen without needing it. I stabbed myself with an Epipen. - Medium PubMed Central Accidental Needle Stick: Chance of Infection, First Aid, Prevention - WebMD 5 Should you go to ER after using EpiPen? If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? Luckily I had 2. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. No do not worry: Nothing will happen, just your heart may start beating faster for few minutes and than back to normal. 2004, 21: 387-388. How to Avoid Dangerous EpiPen Mistakes - Consumer Reports Remove the device from your thigh . A medical student has gone viral by detailing the correct way to use an EpiPen - after watching a video of a clueless girl accidentally stabbing herself in the finger while trying to administer . What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it? That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. It's just that there isn't that much lead in the pencil lead, if any (see wikipedia entry below). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | Dust Mite Solutions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC How long does a shock last in the human body? 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. Accidental Epi Injection | Medical Billing and Coding Forum - AAPC The epinephrine is from epinephrine injection, USP 1:2000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". My brother did something similar in middle school cause for some reason he though my epipen was the case for the thermometer. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. Dr. Hansen has worked in hospitals for over 20 years and is a highly respected surgeon. The rate of accidental injection of epinephrine from autoinjectors has increased worldwide. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Other possible injuries include redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, bleeding under the skin, or scarring. What happens when a deep water wave approaches the shore? In the event of an unintentional injection, seek medical care right away. Velissariou et al. What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. The thought of using an Epipen can be disconcerting however if you have a horrible allergic reaction you might be more than happy to use it! The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if . 4 What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The tester should look altogether different from the actual pen with a vivid color or other markings. (I may earn a small commission on the products linked to in this post.). While injecting the epinephrine, count to ten. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. Little electric shocks can cause injury or disease if you come into contact with them directly. PT comes in having stuck their thumb accidentally with an EpiPen while showing someone else how to use one. Most people understand that an Epipen contains epinephrine. What should I do if I use my EpiPen on accident? That is not because of the epinephrine, but because the allergic reaction probably requires further monitoring. . Video: Girl stabs herself with EpiPen while trying to help friend Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. Contrary to popular belief, the EpiPen injection can be delivered through clothing. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. This Med Student Went Viral For Showing How To Properly Use An EpiPen Research shows that parents who receivehands-on training are better able to properly demonstrate how to use their childs epinephrine shot[4]. Can You Get Ink Poisoning from a Pen? | The Truth Exposed He unintentionally injected the adrenaline into the tip of his thumb. What happens if you inject EpiPen by accident? What should you do Very glad to hear that you were there to help, and that you had a backup injector! The effects may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Am J Emerg Med. For children and adults who experience anaphylaxis, an epinephrine shot is a matter of life or death. The most common problems were 1) not holding the auto-injector in place long enough; 2) pressing the wrong end into the thigh; and 3) using too little force to inject into the thigh. This is important to know if you normally have high blood pressure. CM, PS and BF have made substantial contributions to conception, design, writing the manuscript and literature review. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I used my first EpiPen at the age of 7, after eating chocolate cake at a restaurant, sliced with the same knife used on a walnut cake. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If you were playing around and happened to inject into your thumb (I have seen that one), you might need to have some emergency treatment due to fracture of or impaling the distal phalanx and concern about vasoconstriction of vessels in the thumb. The most common problems were 1) not holding the auto-injector in place long enough; 2) pressing the wrong end into the thigh; and 3) using too little force to inject into the thigh. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Chris May's son and fellow students at . 2001, 108: 114-124. Peripheral perfusion is restored usually in less than 5 minutes. Maybe theyve watched you practice using your Epi or maybe theyve seen the picture instructions on the box. Unintentional injection of epinephrine can easily occur when handling epinephrine auto-injectors. The school district said it is investigating the incident and are reviewing school-wide procedures to make sure something similar does not happen again. 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. EpiPen pro tips. If I start to feel nausea and my stomach hurts or I get rashes and a headache, should I use an epipen? In rare cases, this might result in a serious injury. Ive also practiced using the Epipen in the doctors office (the trainer). The reason: Children and older adults tend to share needles, which leads to infections that can cause serious heart problems if not treated immediately. What happens if you take an EpiPen without needing it? Google Scholar. My son, 10 yrs. We report a physician who accidentally injected epinephrine into his thumb while handling an autoinjector, and the results of reviewing the literature. . The practice pen that I had looked almost identical to the real thing. Enhance your breathing, quicken your heart, and raise blood pressure. But what if you think you need it and you really dont. All Rights Reserved. Some doctors may want to see you to ensure youre alright. 3 Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. My son's have always been. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Dr. Alvin Lin answered. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Step 2 Trainer injection simulation by self (Figure C) or caregiver (Figure D) administration What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. I only received a third of a junior dose. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? Treatment of severe anaphylaxis with epinephrine autoinjector devices such as Epipen (or Anapen) and Epipen Jr has been available since 1980. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. Troy Madsen settles your childhood fears about pencil-related injuries. 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. A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. message spotted in SoCal snow as some grow desperate, Weekend winner, with the exception of some problematic pollen, Moose charges snowmobiler in Idaho: VIDEO. If you did not hear a click, that person may not have received any medication. Privacy 1999, 1: 34-36. Giving yourself an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. You can also make a salt solution. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. Please Introduce Yourself: 1, 888 : Travel: 1, 400 : Restaurants: 1, 210 : Recipes and Cooking: 826 . In a hurry, Christina grabbed a syringe full of epinephrine and directed it to the patient's heart without looking. This might reduce blood flow to the affected region. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Because epinephrine has a powerful effect of making blood vessels contract, your finger may be at risk of not getting sufficient blood flow to survive. Even if you do inject yourself, youll still need to get to an emergency room. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Epinephrine (Injection Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 2 What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Lock up your EpiPen in a safe location, so it is not available to children or others who might misuse it. Im sure there are many more hypothetical situations but these are the few I could come up with. The injection sight was sore, blotchy, and slightly numb. Mild electric shock reactions are transient tingles and jolts, while more extreme reactions can cause significant discomfort and even burns. 2005, 115: 1800-1801. Hello, my name is Elaina and Im 16 years old. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I stabbed myself in the thumb - do I need A&E? | Mumsnet Chris May's son and fellow students at McDevitt Middle School were learning how the device would work for someone having an allergic reaction. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after theyre treated. Access to medical databases through new technologies is essential. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. However, sometimes the symptoms get better and then start again a few hours later. Hypoglycemic episodes are most likely to occur between two and four hours after injecting insulin. Then theres a deep ache as the medicine is released into the muscle. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. According to the EpiPens manufacturer labeling, after injection the pen should be held in place for three seconds then removed. Theyre used via a stab to the thigh, so that the drugs can get to work ASAP. It can be given while wearing pants. Keep your hand and fingers away from the needle end. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. In the emergency room, his thumb was cold and pale. 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. (Needless to say I dumped that dose and got a fresh syringe for the cat :lol: :lol: ) She, at that point, thought I had found something wrong with my newly dyed hair. He specializes in orthopedic surgery, cancer treatment, and general surgical procedures. Zucker G: Use of phentolamine to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. We think a regimen of treatment should be available to treat accidental epinephrine injection. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. The consequences can be serious: avocado hand can result in damage to the muscles or tendons, and even the nerves in extreme cases. Hi Lace, You will need to receive further treatment and observation. As someone whos had serious allergies for a long time, Ive always wondered when I might have to use my Epipen. I was trying to use the empty injector they give you to practice and ended up accidentally sticking myself by accident with the actual pen am I going to be okay? If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. It does not store any personal data. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? Delayed capillary refill of the left thumb after accidental injection of epinephrine. If you have sensitive skin, try using a less abrasive soap instead of hand sanitizer. Ugeskr Laeger. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Medical student reveals exactly how to use an EpiPen Then you can just throw the case away. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. He complained of pain and paresthesia in the thumb. How 12 EpiPens Saved My Life - The New York Times Sellens C, Morrison L: Accidental injection of epinephrine by a child: a unique approach to treatment. Grey's Anatomy: The 10 Worst Things Cristina Has Ever Done - ScreenRant If your heart is weak and you get a big enough flood of natural adrenaline, you can faint, or get a heart arrhythmia, a heart attack, or a stroke. Follow the instructions to remove the safety cap (s). 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Maguire WM, Reisdorff EJ, Smith D, Wiegenstein JG: Epinephrine-induced vasospasm reversed by phentolamine digital block. The big problem is that it is psychologically difficult to stab yourself with the strength and follow-through that are necessary to drive the blade in all the way. Case Series: Accidental Epipen digital self administration Such wounds will generally . Place the orange tip on the thigh. You may also consider using EpiPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Social distancing is a new concept for all of us and as hard as it is for adults to adopt, getting children to understand and cooperate with our new normal is super challenging. Help. Philippe Staeger. He accidentally discharged the contents of the spring-loaded syringe into his thumb; and the needle was twisted into the distal tip of his finger. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid self-injury while using your EpiPen: Always follow instructions printed on your medication bottle. What happens if you inject an EpiPen by accident? How can you prevent yourself from sticking yourself with an EpiPen? For example, wear protective clothing when giving injections, use a sharps container to dispose of needles, and learn how to recognize signs of allergy attack (breathing problems, swelling of the face). Although no case of digital loss because of an accidental injection of epinephrine has been reported [4], the risk of severe pain and even necrosis due to severe local vasoconstriction is real, so developing formal treatment [5] guidelines is paramount. I am 100% okay. The EpiPen injection, contrary to popular perception, may be administered through clothes. 3. If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Exam 3 outline - Exam 3 outline: Diagnostic Testing: Erythrocytes- (red 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 You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. Symptoms of breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Fresh, clean water is best if there is no saline on-hand. I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. A regimen of management of accidental epinephrine injection emphasizing the use of phentolamine should be instigated. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. This event also highlights the importance for all doctors to gain quick access to information in the case of unusual presentation. What may seem like a simple cut can, in fact, be a deep stab laceration. What happens if you inject EpiPen by accident? What should you do? Pediatr Allergy Immunol. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 11% of children weighing 15 to 30 kg showed a risk of intraosseous injection (hitting the bone) with EpiPen Jr or Auvi-Q 0,15 mg; and 38% of children with Jext 0,15 mg. EpiPen or EpiPen Jr should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. If youre at home, a friends house, or at a party, make sure you tell someone that youve injected yourself with an Epipen. Thus, those receiving prescriptions for epinephrine autoinjectors should receive similar training. Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Ann Allergy. "Somehow he, when he reached into the batch, got a hold of a real, live EpiPen, and used it -- like everyone else -- and stuck it into his thigh.". How hard would it be to stab yourself to death? - Factual Questions Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? Accidental injection, usually involving a finger, is a potential complication. An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. 4 What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? Children weighing less than 30 kgDose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses CJEM. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Find everything you need to know about Epinephrine Injection (Auvi-Q), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. All health professionals concerned with the use of epinephrine autoinjectors should receive adequate instruction on their use. What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? If the contents of the needle splashed to nose, mouth, face or other skin areas, wash them well with soap. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. ER or Not: I've Been Stabbed with a Pencil - University Of Utah If you do choose to use hand sanitizer regularly, here are some tips to avoid any side effects: Don't use more than what's on your hand for too long. Part of Burkhart KK: The reversal of the ischemic effects of epinephrine on a finger with local injections of phentolamine. statement and I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. Just found an old Epipen in my car. Kaspersen J, Vedsted P: [Accidental injection of adrenaline in a finger with EpiPen]. Large amounts of ink swallowed from a bottle could be irritant, but serious poisoning has not been reported.". If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. In preparation for this article, I tried to find data on the amount of Americans who currently have EpiPens a medical device used to self-inject an emergency dose of epinephrine to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis and the closest number I could find was in a 2016 Wall Street Journal article that estimated prescriptions to be around 3.6 million nationwide. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. Five years later at sleep-away camp in New Hampshire, it was . Epinephrine is adrenaline and a naturally occurring hormone in the body. My allergist has plenty of trainers laying around the office and they use a permanent marker to write trainer on practice injectors. 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. The directions explained it clearly; I was nervous and wasn't paying attention. This is not necessary with hand sanitizer since it does not spread via contact with other objects, but it will help prevent spreading disease if you come in contact with poo or vomit for example. Finally, wash your hands after using the restroom; this is where you're likely to spread germs. One woman committed suicide with epinephrine injectors. Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road. When I stabbed my thigh with the black tip one I guess I got the colors mixed up and thought the black tipped pen was the practice one. 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Yep, been there done that. 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. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. People who accidentally shoot themselves in the leg will usually be able to walk away from it. 1957, 163: 1477-1479. Wow, great example of how being under pressure can make simple instructions and tasks more difficult. What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? - Heimduo Dp says this is just to be expected but I'm worried I've damaged the circulation or something. 1998, 160: 6531-6532. Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. As soon as he noticed the needle in his leg he pulled it out. What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? . McGovern SJ: Treatment of accidental digital injection of adrenaline from an auto-injector device. A Florida woman woke her sister up by drunkenly stabbing her with an EpiPen Thursday night, then explained to police that she's "allergic to drunks," WBBH reports. Yikes! Pricking yourself (by accident) after pricking the cat? I ended up stabbing myself (accidentally) in the soft fleshy pad of my thumb, about 1" from the end. Epinephrine can kill you. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. She ended up stabbing Alex (Justin Chambers) with a syringe full of epinephrine, which caused him to collapse. Yet today, I managed to crack the backboard on my driveway . This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( The next day I took the used epipen and the unused one to my pharmacy to have them disposed of properly because I didnt want anyone getting hurt from me just throwing them in the garbage. It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection.