Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of an EpiPen®.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include knowledge of special instructions for the use of the EpiPen^®:

- Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the black tip.
- Do not remove the gray safety release until you are ready to use the pen
- Do not use if the solution is discolored or a red flag appears in the clear window.
- Do not place patient insert or any other foreign objects in carriers with the auto-injector as this may prevent removing the auto-injector for use.

Administration should include knowledge of care and storage of the EpiPen^®:

- Keep available and ready for use at all times.
- Store in a dark place at room temperature.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Note the expiration date; reorder a replacement pen before that date.

Administration should include following the procedure for administering the EpiPen®:

- Unscrew the yellow or green cap and remove the EpiPen from its storage tube.
- Grasp the pen with the black tip pointing down.
- Form a fist around the unit with the black tip down, and with your other hand, pull off the gray safety release.
- Hold the black tip near the client's outer thigh.
- Swing and jab the pen firmly into the client's outer thigh until the pen clicks so that the unit is perpendicular (i.e., a 90º angle) to the thigh.
- Hold firmly against the thigh for approximately 10 seconds—injection is complete; auto-injector will show red.
- Remove the unit from the thigh and massage injection area for 10 seconds.
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
- Carefully place the used auto-injector needle-end first into the storage tube of the carrying case that provides a built-in needle protection after use.
- Screw the cap of the storage tube back on completely and take it with the client to the hospital emergency room.
- Wash your hands.
- Document administration per facility protocol.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are some brands of epinephrine injectors other than EpiPen?
- What are three different dosages of epinephrine injectors?