Epinephrine is a medicine used to treat serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It comes in an auto-injector that makes it easy to use. There are different brands and types of auto-injectors, such as EpiPen^® and Auvi-Q^®.

Here's what to know about using and storing epinephrine auto-injectors.

How to use an epinephrine auto-injector:

1. If you can, have your child lie down. If that's not possible, have them sit down.
2. Remove the auto-injector from its case.
3. Remove any safety release cap(s).
4. Firmly grasp the auto-injector in your hand. Keep your fingers and thumb away from both ends of the injector.
5. Give the epinephrine.

If you have a pen-shaped auto-injector (EpiPen or generic):

• Hold your child's leg still and use a swinging motion to firmly push the orange or red end of the auto-injector into the middle of your child's outer thigh until you hear a click. (You do not need to remove your child's clothes. The needle can go through clothing.)
• Follow the auto-injector's instructions on how long to hold the device in place. (For example, an EpiPen is held for 3 seconds, but some generic injectors are held for 10 seconds.). Then remove. Massage the thigh area for 10 seconds.

If you have an Auvi-Q:

• Place the black end against the middle of your child's outer thigh and press firmly so that you hear a click. (You do not need to remove your child's clothes. The needle can go through clothing.)
• Hold the Auvi-Q in place for 2 seconds, then remove.

After your child gets epinephrine:

• Call 911 (or have someone call while you give the epinephrine) so your child can go to the ER by ambulance. Tell them that your child has had a severe allergic reaction and that you gave epinephrine.
• Your child needs to go to the ER after getting epinephrine, even if they're feeling better. The symptoms can come back and get worse.
• Do not drive your child to the ER after you give epinephrine. Wait for the ambulance so trained medical workers can take care of your child and get them to the ER.
• Have your child lie down while waiting for the ambulance. Give epinephrine again if their symptoms don't go away, get worse, or go away and then come back. If your child stops breathing or doesn't have a pulse, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Things to know about epinephrine auto-injectors:

• Your child should always have 2 epinephrine auto-injectors with them.
• Be sure the epinephrine auto-injectors are not expired.
• Don't let the epinephrine auto-injectors get very hot or cold. The car usually isn't a good place to keep them because the temperature can go very low or high.
• Keep the epinephrine auto-injectors out of direct sunlight.
• Epinephrine auto-injectors come with a practice injector. Practice using it. If your child is old enough, have them practice with you.
• Make sure everyone who cares for your child knows how to use the epinephrine auto-injector.
• Epinephrine auto-injectors can be expensive. You can ask the allergy doctor if they can prescribe a less expensive generic version or know of any promotions or coupons to help with the cost.

• You're not sure how or when to use the epinephrine auto-injector.
• Your child is injected with epinephrine by accident.