This medication is used in emergencies to treat very
serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other
substances. Epinephrine works quickly to help you breathe better, keep your
heart beating, raise dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce
swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
You may still need to get emergency medical help after
you have used this medication. Before you need to use epinephrine, ask your
doctor in advance for more information.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use provided by your pharmacist before you need to use epinephrine and
each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Keep this medication near you at all times. Learn ahead
of time how to properly use this medication so you will be ready if you
need to use it. Also, make sure family members, caregivers, or other
responsible household members know where you keep this medication and how
to use it in case you cannot give the medication yourself.
This product is for use in the nose only. The dosage is
based on your weight. Remove the epinephrine spray from the packaging when
you are ready to use it. Do not test or prime the nasal spray before use.
Doing so will make you lose the dose.
Insert the tip of the spray nozzle into one nostril,
then firmly press the plunger up to give the dose. Do not sniff during or
immediately after you have received a dose. If symptoms continue or get
worse, give a second dose in the same nostril, starting 5 minutes after the
first dose. Each nasal spray contains only one dose and cannot be
reused.
As directed by your doctor, get emergency medical help
for more treatment if needed. Tell the health care professional that you
have given yourself epinephrine spray.
Nasal discomfort, runny/stuffy nose, sneezing,
irritation of the throat, headache, shaking, nervousness, numbness,
tiredness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fainting
- vision changes
- seizures
- confusion
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using epinephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication contains sulfites (such as sodium
metabisulfite). However, if you have a sulfite allergy, you should still
use this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can save your
life, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related
problems.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- diabetes
- heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat)
- high blood pressure
- kidney problems
- nasal problems (such as injury, surgery, growths in the
nose-nasal polyps)
- overactive thyroid
- Parkinson's disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug.
Since untreated, very serious allergic reactions can
harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, this medication may be used
during pregnancy.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, confusion,
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. From time to
time, check the expiration date. Replace the spray before it expires. Keep
all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.