If you or someone you love has been prescribed an EpiPen, you may be wondering where and how to store it.If you ever need your EpiPen, you want it to be in good working order.The EpiPen should be kept in a room temperature environment until it needs to be used, expires, or becomes damaged.
Step 1: The safety release cap should be on your EpiPen.
The guidelines should be included.If the EpiPen is kept in a bag that is subject to fluctuations in temperature, it should stay in an insulated wallet.
Step 2: The EpiPen should be stored at room temperature.
Most of the time, your EpiPen should be kept at room temperature.For day trips, the EpiPen may be in environments of 15-30 Celsius.If you accidentally leave the EpiPen outside of room temperature, you should consult a health care provider.Wrap a towel around an ice pack and put your EpiPen in the cooler for a day at the beach.For a ski trip or other time spent outside in the snow, try a waist carrier that can be worn under the coat.The EpiPen should be warm.
Step 3: In a dark place, keep your EpiPen.
Exposure to bright light can damage the solution.If you keep the EpiPen in an insulated bag, it will keep it dark and at the right room temperature.
Step 4: The EpiPen is available at most places.
Someone who may need an EpiPen injection should have one at home, work, school, daycare, or a gym or vacation home.Ask the healthcare provider how to get multiple EpiPens.
Step 5: Don't lock up your EpiPen, but keep it out of the reach of small children.
Small children should not have access to an EpiPen until they are old enough to self-administer an injection.If needed, caretakers can have quick access to EpiPens in an unlocked location.
Step 6: Pack your EpiPen with care.
If you travel by air, you can either bring your EpiPen onto the plane or put it in your checked baggage.Since the cargo holds of planes are not temperature controlled, be sure to keep your EpiPen well insulated and pack it in a padded part of your luggage to prevent damage if you decide to check it through.If you prefer, you can ask airport security to inspect your EpiPen instead of using the X-ray machine.
Step 7: The viewing window needs to be checked regularly for damage.
There is a clear window near the EpiPen where you can check to see if the solution has changed.If the solution inside becomes discolored or cloudy, you should replace your EpiPen.
Step 8: The EpiPen has an expiration date.
If they are different, use the EpiPen's expired date as opposed to its box date.Prepare to replace your EpiPen prior to this date by marking it on a calendar.If there is no other option in the case of an allergic emergency, an expired EpiPen should still be used.If you have 2 expired EpiPens on hand, use the one closest to the current date.
Step 9: Before disposing of an expired EpiPen, have a new one.
An expired EpiPen should be replaced as soon as possible, but it's more important to have one on hand for someone who may need it.As soon as you have a new EpiPen, replace the expired one.
Step 10: Put a used EpiPen in a container and give it to someone.
When using an EpiPen, an emergency call should always be placed in the case of anaphylactic reactions.Four hours after the incident, the ill person should receive follow up care.Give the injection to the ambulance or hospital staff by writing the time it was given onto the container or bag.
Step 11: Local regulations require that damaged or expired EpiPens be destroyed.
A supervised collection site can be found at a healthcare provider office, pharmacy, health department, or police or fire station.Depending on where you live, sharps disposal guidelines may vary, so ask a healthcare provider or other knowledgeable caretakers of the person in need of an EpiPen about the proper procedure in your area.Sharps should not be thrown in the trash.You should inquire about the proper disposal in your area.
Step 12: Offer to use expired EpiPens.
EpiPens can be used for training.Ask a medical professional if they could use expired EpiPens.If you know how to use an EpiPen, and know someone who could benefit from learning, show them by using an orange to mimic the injection process.During training, never use an expired EpiPen.