accidentally stabbed myself with epipen

I have officially learned my lesson and will never do anything like this again. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Hello, my name is Elaina and Im 16 years old. After injecting an EpiPen, hearing a click lets you know it worked. Kaspersen J, Vedsted P: [Accidental injection of adrenaline in a finger with EpiPen]. The EpiPen injection, contrary to popular perception, may be administered through clothes. While injecting the epinephrine, count to ten. I ended up stabbing myself (accidentally) in the soft fleshy pad of my thumb, about 1" from the end. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Peripheral perfusion is restored usually in less than 5 minutes. "Omigod, Darrel - this isn't the practice pen - this is a REAL Epi-pen!" I shouted. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 2004, 21: 387-388. What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? May described his son as turning bright red in color, and said he was sweating profusely by the time he arrived at the hospital. "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. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Make sure to wash your hands after administering an epinephrine injection. What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? Five years later at sleep-away camp in New Hampshire, it was . If you handle electric shock devices without thinking about what you're doing, you could be risking serious injury. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. Why you should go to the emergency room after using the EpiPen. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. PubMed Terms and Conditions, Is it bad to use hand sanitizer all the time? Delayed capillary refill of the left thumb after accidental injection of epinephrine. How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Article This is called "indoor electrostatic discharge" (ESD). 1990, 8: 46-47. But its important for patients and caregivers to know how to properly work an automatic epinephrine shot. Does it matter where you stick an EpiPen? Luckily, the doctors performed emergency procedures and were able to restart it. Luckily I had 2. Accidental Injections of Epinephrine (EpiPen). We report a physician who accidentally injected epinephrine into his thumb while handling an autoinjector, and the results of reviewing the literature. 4 What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection? McGovern SJ: Treatment of accidental digital injection of adrenaline from an auto-injector device. Whenever I practice using my Epipen I make sure Im using the correct injector. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Velissariou et al. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. However, the surgery proved it was Jackson after Cristina messed up. Answer (1 of 6): It depends on where you inject. Symptoms of breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. 9 What happens if you accidentally inject epinephrine into your thumb? Some doctors may want to see you to ensure youre alright. One woman committed suicide with epinephrine injectors. 3 What happens if you use an EpiPen and dont go to the hospital? I had began to feel very energized and had slight pain on my outer thigh. In the case of a deep cut to the palm, the ulnar nerve may be injured and result in paralysis of the intrinsic muscles to the hand. Hand. Epi pens can have side effects. In conclusion, epinephrine can be given through clothes but only if you know what you're doing. 2 What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? Place the orange tip on the thigh. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If your Epipen was used by you or a family member on accident make sure its stored in the correct place. 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. Just found an old Epipen in my car. Always wear protective gear when giving injections, and never give an injection in the back of the neck or anywhere near the heart. Yikes! In preparation for this article, I tried to find data on the amount of Americans who currently have EpiPens a medical device used to self-inject an emergency dose of epinephrine to treat life . 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. If youre at home, a friends house, or at a party, make sure you tell someone that youve injected yourself with an Epipen. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. If you don't follow correct procedure, you could end up hurting the person who needs the medication. If left untreated, low blood glucose levels may lead to seizure or coma. Answer (1 of 4): I just saw your comment that you stabbed yourself in the finger. A 31-year-old physician in a Family Practice training program at an academic primary care center was handling an Epipen because he wanted to be familiar with it before prescribing it. 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. Hand X-ray did not show a fracture of the distal phalanx. Why do they stab each other with EpiPens? We think a regimen of treatment should be available to treat accidental epinephrine injection. On this episode of ER or Not, Dr. This however, is the worst-case scenario. It never hurts to refresh your memory on how to use your childs epinephrine shot. Ive followed suit and do the same when I receive a new Epipen. Hi Lace, Make sure you alert someone around you. 3. Saff R, Nahhas A, Fink JN: Myocardial infarction induced by coronary vasospasm after self-administration of epinephrine. The treatment consists of removing the needle from the device and replacing it with a new one. CJEM. What happens if you stab a nerve in your hand? A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). Seek emergency medical attention even after you use EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. PubMedGoogle Scholar. Many pharmacies aren't licenced to take back medications for disposal. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Maguire WM, Reisdorff EJ, Smith D, Wiegenstein JG: Epinephrine-induced vasospasm reversed by phentolamine digital block. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Thus far Ive been lucky. Follow the instructions to remove the safety cap (s). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Some inks may cause soreness in the mouth. Most suicides approach the problem is a way to give themselves . The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. Do you have to go to the hospital if you use an EpiPen? Google Scholar. You should seek emergency medical help immediately you use the injection. 2007, 18: 448-452. However, I was still feeling very energized. 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! In summary, follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to yourself: Carefully remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube. If you get an artificially high dose (milligrams rather than tenths of a milligram) it can kill you. Once injected epinephrine will: According to instructions, you should inject yourself in the upper thigh, however, mistakes are made. Of course, that was until I accidentally stabbed myself in the thumb with an Epipen needle. Warnings for Shock Pens Shock pens may be sold as harmless pranks, but they have the potential to cause injury. Case presentation A physician in a Family Practice training program accidentally injected epinephrine into his left thumb while reading the operating instructions of an autoinjector (Epipen). 12/13/17 AT 5:36 PM EST. The Epipen can as a result of this increase in blood pressure cause quick heartbeat, and in the case that your heart is damaged or worsening cardiomegaly, this may lead to atrial flutter, which may lead to an atrial flutter which may lead to fibrillation that could collapse your heart. Unintentional injection of epinephrine can easily occur when handling epinephrine auto-injectors. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Ive battled environmental allergies for years and I always carry an Epipen with me. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Seek emergency medical treatment if this occurs. What are the symptoms of an accidental epinephrine injection? Why did a physician put his thumb over the EpiPen? What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? The injection sight was sore, blotchy, and slightly numb. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. Ive also wondered what happens if you use an Epipen without needing it. All are serious errors that can delay or prevent getting someone the epinephrine necessary to stop a reaction. You should always be checked out at the ER after using your EpiPen. 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? Springer Nature. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images, but is obvious as the patient is the first author of this case report. injected "[this mixture] subcutaneously into the site [of accidental epinephrine injection,] and stop as soon as the skin becomes pink". What happens if you stab someone with an EpiPen? Sellens C, Morrison L: Accidental injection of epinephrine by a child: a unique approach to treatment. Doctors say that you should never wear clothes that conduct electricity because it's like wearing a fuse box under your shirt. 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. 1 What happens if you accidentally get stabbed with an EpiPen? The reason: Children and older adults tend to share needles, which leads to infections that can cause serious heart problems if not treated immediately. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Google Scholar. The accidental action caused Alex's heart to stop. Topical nitroglycerin, oral vasodilators, and immersion in warm water were attempted unsuccessfully. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". We are planning to do this with a bunch at our next family gathering so anyone who might be around our son can have some practice. . Puncture Wound Care. You might feel anxious. If you have sensitive skin, try using a less abrasive soap instead of hand sanitizer. CAS If you are looking for additional tips on epinephrine at school, we have several additional blog posts you might enjoy: Your email address will not be published. Most accidental injections (an estimated 94%) occur when a patient or someone trying to help them accidentally jabs their finger or thumb[2]. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. 1 What happens if you stab your finger with an EpiPen? The big problem is that it is psychologically difficult to stab yourself with the strength and follow-through that are necessary to drive the blade in all the way. If you did not hear a click, that person may not have received any medication. In preparation for this article, I tried to find data on the amount of Americans who currently have EpiPens a medical device used to self-inject an emergency dose of epinephrine to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis and the closest number I could find was in a 2016 Wall Street Journal article that estimated prescriptions to be around 3.6 million nationwide. 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. Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where . Giving yourself an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. 1999, 17: 91-94. He developed swelling, pallor, and pain in the thumb. If you do choose to use hand sanitizer regularly, here are some tips to avoid any side effects: Don't use more than what's on your hand for too long. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Step 2 Trainer injection simulation by self (Figure C) or caregiver (Figure D) administration The drug wasn't supposed to be inside of the EpiPen an 11-year-old boy stabbed himself with during health class. Adults and children weighing 30 kilograms (kg) or more0.3 to 0.5 milligram (mg) injected under the skin or into the muscle of your thigh. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This could lead to a heart attack. I am 100% okay. J Med Case Reports 3, 7268 (2009). 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. Accidental injection symptoms are typically mild and may include transient numbness or tingling. Introduction Epinephrine autoinjector devices are used with increasing frequency to treat severe anaphylactic reactions. This is why I an paranoid when I take my humera tired. How can you prevent yourself from sticking yourself with an EpiPen? In order for epinephrine to work properly, it must be injected into the thigh muscle. But everything else seems normal. I don't recommend that anyone use epinephrine unless it's absolutely necessary, but I did take away some positive lessons. Unintentional injection of epinephrine into fingers or hands can cause limited blood flow and injury. Epinephrine can kill you. I used to make jokes and wonder how someone could "accidentally" give themselves an epinephrine shot -- until it happened to us. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid self-injury while using your EpiPen: Always follow instructions printed on your medication bottle. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The charge on your body will move through any water that comes into contact with it, allowing you to get shocked without being close to a person. PubMed If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. What happens if you inject yourself with an EpiPen in your arm? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 10.1007/s11552-006-9012-4. PubMed Central An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. volume3, Articlenumber:7268 (2009) Young people are also more likely to have their fingers near the injection site when they use drugs intramuscularly (in their muscles). Do not inject into a muscle because it could cause the patient to go into shock. Only use the EpiPen injector provided by your doctor's office! Because epinephrine has a powerful effect of making blood vessels contract, your finger may be at risk of not getting sufficient blood flow to survive. While reading the operating instructions, he attempted to launch the needle but erroneously placed his left thumb over the needle opening. Talk with your doctor about how you can best control symptoms of your illness. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 2023 Nutricia North America. This event also highlights the importance for all doctors to gain quick access to information in the case of unusual presentation. The incidence is about 1 per 50,000 Epipen units [3]. Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after theyre treated. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember. The school district said it is investigating the incident and are reviewing school-wide procedures to make sure something similar does not happen again. 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. After 20-30 minutes the blotchiness has faded and my leg felt a bit better. Keep your hand and fingers away from the needle end. EpiPen has several resources to teach patients about the proper use of epinephrine shots. It says it expired in 2007. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Hand sanitizer overuse can cause dry, cracked skin, as well as redness, discolouration, and flaking. An EpiPen or EpiPen Jr auto-injector that has been activated by accident cannot be used for a patient in an emergency and must be replaced. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What to do if you accidentally stab yourself in the hand? do not scrub the wound while you're washing it. Aside from this, there are also risks of an accidental injection in and of itself. Dp says this is just to be expected but I'm worried I've damaged the circulation or something. Understandably, epinephrine will have a great effect on a small child than a grown adult and this can be scary. Symptoms of an accidental injection are not usually so severe and may include: temporary numbness or tingling. What common mistake can happen when using an EpiPen? If I did have trouble breathing, felt my mouth/throat swelling, or felt an abnormal amount of warmness due to allergy exposure Id absolutely use my Epipen but sometimes its hard to gauge how serious the symptoms are. In rare cases, this might result in a serious injury. Your blood pressure will rise. My allergist has plenty of trainers laying around the office and they use a permanent marker to write trainer on practice injectors. 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90028-1. Plast Reconstr Surg. In the case of an emergency, you may not easily be able to let caregivers know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Kids are observant. Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. Family Medicine 58 years experience. 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. 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. What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? 1992, 10: 496-10.1016/0736-4679(92)90285-2. Philippe Staeger. If you alone call your local doctors office or allergist its never a bad idea to let them know the mistake. If you don't understand any of the instructions, ask your pharmacist for help. Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries. An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Here are some tips to help. Clean any accidental sticks right away. As Teddy expected, Cristina began to work too quickly and wasn't careful with the instruments. When to seek help You should always seek prompt medical attention if you cut yourself and observe any of the following: you cant stop the bleeding. 'HELP US!!' If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. Thankfully I havent had to use it Ive practiced a lot though. My son, 10 yrs. Never reuse needles/syringes that have been used for injecting insulin or other medications. Ive carried it around for years, just in case something were to happen. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". At Dust Mite Solutions we try to answer the most important questions you have about allergies. You hold it in the middle of your clenched fist . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Epinephrine is adrenaline and a naturally occurring hormone in the body. What may seem like a simple cut can, in fact, be a deep stab laceration. Management options for accidental injection of epinephrine from an autoinjector: a case report, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection. Greene AK: Management of epinephrine injection injury to the digit. Then you can just throw the case away. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. My brother did something similar in middle school cause for some reason he though my epipen was the case for the thermometer. Because an EpiPen is an auto-injector, the needle shoots out as soon as the cap is taken off, so if you squeeze or touch it, you may get the injection in your thumb instead, which causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in inadequate blood flow. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. The consequences can be serious: avocado hand can result in damage to the muscles or tendons, and even the nerves in extreme cases. As soon as he noticed the needle in his leg he pulled it out. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Cookies policy. He developed swelling, pallor, and pain in the thumb. 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. 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. Part of The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I looked down at the epipen itself and saw there was a needle. The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if you're under age 10 or over 70.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In fact, research shows that people who accidentally inject themselves are about three times more likely to suffer a severe reaction than are adults who intentionally inject themselves. Grip the barrel of the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. Use them safely to prevent finger sticks. I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. However, you don't want to be washing your hands with them constantly because the concentration decreases rapidly with time. 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. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. If the finger is looking white, this would warrant going to an . An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. The most common injury related to self-injection is pain at the injection site. They will advise you on next steps to ensure your safety. If epinephrine is accidentally injected into tiny locations such as the fingers and hands, blood vessels constrict at the site of injection. Here are a few tips I recommend based on the storage instructions. However, these devices are not without risk: myocardial infarction from injected epinephrine has been reported [1]. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. But mistakes happen and you should be prepared. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A regimen of management of accidental epinephrine injection emphasizing the use of phentolamine should be instigated.

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