Anaphylaxis: Preparation and Treatment



These actions will help prepare a person with increased chance of an anaphylactic reaction:

  • Wear a Medic Alert tag at all times.

  • Be in the care of a board-certified allergist.

  • Carry an emergency kit with an antihistamine (pill or syrup) and a shot of epinephrine that you can give to yourself. Make sure you replace the shot when it passes the expiration date.

  • Know the symptoms of a life-threatening reaction..

  

Treatment

Epinephrine is the most important medicine for the treatment of anaphylaxis. It is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A special syringe that is easy to give (to yourself or someone else) is available. If prescribed, your doctor or nurse will teach you the proper way to use it. The effects of epinephrine wear off quickly. It is still important to get emergency medical attention right away after giving the shot. Common brands of epinephrine are:

  • EpiPen® Auto-Injector

  • EpiPed® Jr. Auto-Injector

  • Twinject® Auto-Injector

 

This information has been approved by Rafeul Alam, MD (March 2009).

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