accidentally stabbed myself with epipen

This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Case 1: A 15-year-old boy found an EpiPen on a bus. 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. However, these devices are not without risk: myocardial infarction from injected epinephrine has been reported [1]. Sometimes they dont improve hours or days later. How can you prevent yourself from sticking yourself with an EpiPen? Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. This will help prevent your skin from drying out due to constant exposure to high levels of alcohol. Next, aim for the middle of the outer thigh, holding it at a right angle to the thigh. Seek immediate medical attention in the case of an accidental injection. 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. Figure B. Treatment included topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators and warming of the thumb. Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 44, 1011, Lausanne-CHUV, Switzerland, Christian Mathez,Bernard Favrat&Philippe Staeger, You can also search for this author in Or confusing the red-colored granola bar wrapper (chocolate) and the orange-colored one (peanut butter) during a chaotic morning (stab No. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The school district said it is investigating the incident and are reviewing school-wide procedures to make sure something similar does not happen again. Exapno_Mapcase April 19, 2008, 9:02pm #5. What happens if you stab a nerve in your hand? Your blood pressure will rise. How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? Even though they are labeled I still get worried and have to look closely. Flush splashes of blood and needle contents on other parts of your body with water. Dr. Hansen has worked in hospitals for over 20 years and is a highly respected surgeon. do not scrub the wound while you're washing it. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. For best results, ask your childs healthcare team to demonstrate how to properly use an epinephrine shot[3]. My brother did something similar in middle school cause for some reason he though my epipen was the case for the thermometer. 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. Mathez, C., Favrat, B. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. The rate of accidental injection of epinephrine from autoinjectors has increased worldwide. I pulled the pen away right after injecting the medicine. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Zucker G: Use of phentolamine to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol. The content you are trying to access is intended for healthcare professionals only. 3). 10.1001/archfami.3.2.193. California Privacy Statement, However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Life-saving auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis. 2 pencil. This may cause the real yellow EpiPen or real green EpiPen Jr auto-injector to accidentally activate. 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. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and can trigger heart arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Whether you are new to food allergies and want to get to know our products, or you need help with a lifestyle change, for new ideas to . 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. Your injection can be a reason for concern if injected in the hands, feet, or digits. 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. J Accid Emerg Med. Cookies policy. & Staeger, P. Management options for accidental injection of epinephrine from an autoinjector: a case report. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 1994, 3: 193-195. PubMed Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. [14] successfully used 1.5 mg of phentolamine (from a 10 mg/ml phentolamine mesylate ampoule) diluted in 1 ml of 2% lidocaine to treat such accidents. Most accidental injections (an estimated 94%) occur when a patient or someone trying to help them accidentally jabs their finger or thumb[2]. You may even want to print out the instructions and keep them in a handy place (for example, fold it up and keep it with the epinephrine shot). For about ten seconds. Symptoms of breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. The effects may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7268. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Lock up your EpiPen in a safe location, so it is not available to children or others who might misuse it. 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. As soon as he noticed the needle in his leg he pulled it out. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go for 5 full minutes by the clock. If you did not hear a click, that person may not have received any medication. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. If the epinephrine is injected by mistake into small areas such as fingers and hands, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Arch Fam Med. 10.1097/00006534-200107000-00017. Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, often to ordinary things like bee stings, peanut butter, or antibiotics. It can be administered while wearing pants. Hopefully, you can remain calm, notify people in the immediate vicinity, and seek medical advice quickly. The book states that: "Ink: ball-point pens, felt-tip pens, and fountain pens contain so little ink that there is not enough to cause poisoning if it is sucked from a pen. Its always better for someone to help monitor your behavior and call for help if needed. PubMed Central He . Just found an old Epipen in my car. do not suck the wound. Once injected epinephrine will: According to instructions, you should inject yourself in the upper thigh, however, mistakes are made. 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! But what if you think you need it and you really dont. Finally, wash your hands after using the restroom; this is where you're likely to spread germs. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Sorry there was an error savinig your comment. volume3, Articlenumber:7268 (2009) Thus far Ive been lucky. The only symptoms I experienced was: shock realizing what I had done, energy that lasted a few hours, slight shaking, some pain at the injection sight, and slight numbing of my leg. Journal of Medical Case Reports J Emerg Med. Always wear protective gear when giving injections, and never give an injection in the back of the neck or anywhere near the heart. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Your automatic instinct is to flinch or hold back to spare yourself the pain. The directions explained it clearly; I was nervous and wasn't paying attention. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". However, this is the worst-case situation. 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. J Med Case Reports 3, 7268 (2009). An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection. Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. Luckily, the doctors performed emergency procedures and were able to restart it. Ive mixed up my Epipen and trainer before but Ive always figured out which is which. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. "I was racing 90 miles per hour from my office in Hingham, because I didn't know what was going to happen to my son," May said. Hi Alice, B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. I am 100% okay. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat. Neocate is a family of hypoallergenic, amino acid-based medical foods for use under medical supervision and is indicated for cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies and related GI and allergic conditions. If you have expired epipens at your house you should take them to your pharmacy so they can be disposed of properly instead of just throwing them away. You can also make a salt solution. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). (I may earn a small commission on the products linked to in this post.). (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Philippe Staeger. When she didnt respond I said it was an emergency. In cases like that, a quick call to the doctor or a visit to an urgent care center might be a good idea, even if it's just for reassurance. The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters guidelines recommend that patients at risk carry two epipens at all times (or any auto injector). What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? you should have gone to the e.r. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Epinephrine can kill you. As of 2016, it was estimated that more than three million people in the US had a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector; 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 the medicine to a friend. 2 Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? 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. Police . Again, hold the thing in your clenched fist, fingers and thumbs away from either end. Mix of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt to 1 cup of warm water. Ugeskr Laeger. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Video: The life-saving skill EVERYONE should have: Medical student reveals exactly how to use an EpiPen - after watching viral video of a girl stabbing HERSELF while trying to help a sick friend We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. report some recovery [6]. CAS What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. There are a few situations that come to mind when answering this question. In order for epinephrine to work properly, it must be injected into the thigh muscle. 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? In the event of accidental injection, you should always seek medical attention. What should I do if I use my EpiPen on accident? If left untreated, low blood glucose levels may lead to seizure or coma. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Then you can just throw the case away. Ive carried it around for years, just in case something were to happen. If youre at home, a friends house, or at a party, make sure you tell someone that youve injected yourself with an Epipen. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. It was funny cause he has ADHD and it actually made him act kinda stoned for a bit. 2. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Ive also practiced using the Epipen in the doctors office (the trainer). I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. I was looking in some cabinets for neosporin when I came across my old epipens. The consequences can be serious: avocado hand can result in damage to the muscles or tendons, and even the nerves in extreme cases. In any case, you should always seek medical assistance if you accidentally inject yourself; it's better to be safe than sorry! Up to 16% of tested doctors who read the instructions on the Epipen device self-injected the Epipen trainer into their thumb. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Dry and cover the wound. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. 7). But if you do this article can help make sure you know what to do. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? Not much medicine if any got into his leg. If you don't follow correct procedure, you could end up hurting the person who needs the medication. The Epi Pen on the other hand has a sort of truncated flat ORANGE cone at the needle end, while the safety catch is the BLUE end. This however, is the worst-case scenario. 3 Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? I havent had to use mine, however, I still carry around the expensive auto-injector. One woman committed suicide with epinephrine injectors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? 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. Velissariou et al. The epinephrine is from epinephrine injection, USP 1:2000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution. The practice pen that I had looked almost identical to the real thing. 4 What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? McGovern SJ: Treatment of accidental digital injection of adrenaline from an auto-injector device. What happens if you inject an EpiPen when you dont need it? ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The treatment consists of removing the needle from the device and replacing it with a new one. When it comes to allergies everyone experiences different types of symptoms and Ive rarely had respiratory symptoms that affected my breathing. 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? Elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. 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. There will always be the chance of unknowingly scarfing down pecan-laced strawberry pie at a family gathering (stab No. CJEM. Introduction Epinephrine autoinjector devices are used with increasing frequency to treat severe anaphylactic reactions. What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? Or just take reactants. I think that the tester should be much more clearly marked, we had someone at work who was trying to show us how to help her in case of emergency and she accidentally used the tester and accidentally injected herself with the live pen. In conclusion, epinephrine can be given through clothes but only if you know what you're doing. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. What happens if you inject an EpiPen without needing it? Many people dont realize that after using the pen, you still must call 911 and get emergency medical attention, just in case you need back-up treatment. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This is important to know if you normally have high blood pressure. 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. Most people understand that an Epipen contains epinephrine. Dp says this is just to be expected but I'm worried I've damaged the circulation or something. From recent research I came to the conclusion to soak my thigh in warm water. Luckily I had 2. 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. Velissariou I, Cottrell S, Berry K, Wilson B: Management of adrenaline (epinephrine) induced digital ischaemia in children after accidental injection from an EpiPen. Avocado hand occurs when a person tries to remove the pit in a dangerous manner, such as with a knife, and ends up cutting themselves. If you get an artificially high dose (milligrams rather than tenths of a milligram) it can kill you. As expected, none caused an immediate response; however, after 8 hours, the thumb was pink and warm. Thanks for reading! Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. Hi Geraldine, You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. Ive followed suit and do the same when I receive a new Epipen. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Then I suddenly registered that - wait a second - that doesn't look right. Either way, glad you're OK! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Case Series: A care provider accidentally administers an Epipen containing 300ug to thier own thumb/ digit whilst trying to figure out how to administer to a patient. Cite this article. 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. The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if . Its use is limited by adverse side effects such as hypotension and tachycardia, requiring adequate pre-hydration. elevated heart rate and/or heart palpations. Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. If they aren't able to take it back, they can probably point you towards somewhere that you can bring it to for disposal. Epi pens can have side effects. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. If you or someone in your family injects an Epipen without needing it,make sure you understand how it will make you feel and the potential adverse effects. Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. the cut is deep or exposes subcutaneous tissue. Peripheral perfusion is restored usually in less than 5 minutes. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. However, the surgery proved it was Jackson after Cristina messed up. This might reduce blood flow to the affected region. 1998, 160: 6531-6532. Epinephrine is adrenaline and a naturally occurring hormone in the body. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Springer Nature. Indirect contact with an electric field generated by a shock pen may also be harmful. Forcefully push the epinephrine injector into the outer-upper portion of the thigh in a stabbing motion, and hold it there for 10 seconds. Is it bad to use hand sanitizer all the time? His blood pressure was 175/85 mmHg, heart rate 80/minute, and respiratory rate 16/minute. He unintentionally injected the adrenaline into the tip of his thumb. (I had used the practice one before). Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. Like other injections that go into the muscle (e.g. Even if you do inject yourself, youll still need to get to an emergency room. 1 What happens if I accidentally stab myself with an epipen? Call them and ask before you go down there. Young people are also more likely to have their fingers near the injection site when they use drugs intramuscularly (in their muscles). They're complaining of numbness in their thumb and say "it is turning white". 2023 Nutricia North America. This however, is the worst-case scenario. then get accidentally stabbed with it. Maybe theyve watched you practice using your Epi or maybe theyve seen the picture instructions on the box. I : I believe that it's highly unlikely for anyone to develop lead poisoning from getting stabbed with a mechanical pencil, not that i'm recommending an experiment. My son's have always been. There was full recovery 2 months after the accident. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. She ended up stabbing Alex (Justin Chambers) with a syringe full of epinephrine, which caused him to collapse. Denkler K: A comprehensive review of epinephrine in the finger: to do or not to do. CAS In the process, she stabbed Alex's hand and injected him with the drug. Hand. After 8 hours, the entire finger was pink and warm, either because of the decreasing effect of epinephrine after 90 minutes [2], or because of the delayed effect of the attempted treatment. I am allergic to bees so I've always had epipens. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Here are some tips to help. PubMedGoogle Scholar. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Wash it. Help. For instance if you were to stab yourself with a pencil, to prick yourself on a pin, or to fall onto a fork (I could do this all day) then the resultant wound would be a puncture. Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall: Does Season of Birth Affect the Risk for Developing Allergies? You will need to receive further treatment and observation. 5 What happens if you get stuck with an EpiPen and dont need it? Call first to speak to a nurse or doctor then take their advice on whether you need to visit the medical office. A puncture wound is of course a wound that is caused by a direct puncture to the skin and often the below layers. 'HELP US!!' If epinephrine is accidentally injected into tiny locations such as the fingers and hands, blood vessels constrict at the site of injection. Very glad to hear that you were there to help, and that you had a backup injector! What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. If you do happen to get hit by a shock wave, try not to touch anything with metal objects inside it because you don't want those charges to go somewhere else. At Dust Mite Solutions we try to answer the most important questions you have about allergies. You might feel anxious. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. My allergist has plenty of trainers laying around the office and they use a permanent marker to write trainer on practice injectors. What happens if you give yourself epinephrine? Accidental injection, usually involving a finger, is a potential complication. NAPLES, Fla. - A Florida woman stabbed her sister with an EpiPen as the two were drinking together because she's "allergic to drunks," according to the Naples Police Department. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not . 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. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Others have used local infiltration of accidental epinephrine injection sites successfully [10]-[14]. Tell your doctor if your initial EpiPen injection resulted in a major adverse effect, such as trouble breathing or dangerously high blood pressure, before using it again (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure). Several approaches were proposed: metacarpal nerve block or digital block with local lidocaine to induce an inhibition of sympathetic afferents to the digit; and topical nitroglycerin, systemic vasodilators, and warming by immersion in water to increase the blood flow supplying the digit.