accidentally stabbed myself with epipen accidentally stabbed myself with epipen

Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not because it hurt but because it felt different than normal. This might reduce blood flow to the affected region. Required fields are marked *. This however, is the worst-case scenario. An unintentional injection into the hands or feet might reduce blood supply to these tissues, potentially resulting in tissue death. It's just that there isn't that much lead in the pencil lead, if any (see wikipedia entry below). Never reuse needles/syringes that have been used for injecting insulin or other medications. J Accid Emerg Med. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The child is fine now, but questions remain how this troubling incident could have happened. Epipens are a key part of having allergies and they are used at our most vulnerable times. Over the years, I've gotten a lot better at wielding an EpiPen. 2007, 18: 448-452. But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Medication Administration: When preparing to give meds to a patient: always look up any medication you are unfamiliar with (so that you know why you are giving the medication and so you will know possible s/s) Use only medications in a clearly labeled container. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Like many drugs, there might be side effects from epinephrine, such as anxiety, dizziness, and sweating, and swelling, pain, or changes in skin color at the injection site because of decreased blood flow to the area. Most cases of anaphylaxis happen quickly and fully resolve after theyre treated. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. 10.1097/00006534-200107000-00017. Of course, that was until I accidentally stabbed myself in the thumb with an Epipen needle. Here, EpiPen's are pictured in a two-pack August 16, 2016 . 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. Finally, make sure no one is stuck in any doorways or passages before you use the shock pen because you don't want to send a current through them too. It will also reduce swelling of the face and respiratory system. I am allergic to bees so I've always had epipens. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 8 What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? Peripheral perfusion is restored usually in less than 5 minutes. This however, is the worst-case scenario. While reading the operating instructions, he attempted to launch the needle but erroneously placed his left thumb over the needle opening. The idea is "blue to the sky". Dr. Alvin Lin answered. 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. Epi pens can have side effects. What if you make a strange mistake and accidently use the Epipen without needing it. J Emerg Med. The next day I took the used epipen and the unused one to my pharmacy to have them disposed of properly because I didnt want anyone getting hurt from me just throwing them in the garbage. You may repeat the injection every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. 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. Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person. The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. How much does it cost to build a house 450 sq ft? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Place the orange tip on the thigh. I first got my epipen back in 2006 and it was the same ones that I had at my house. However, these devices are not without risk: myocardial infarction from injected epinephrine has been reported [1]. An incorrect or accidental administration can have dangerous consequences. What happens if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? But holding it for 10 seconds is appropriate in all cases, and it may easier to remember.) Research shows that parents who receivehands-on training are better able to properly demonstrate how to use their childs epinephrine shot[4]. Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. The boy, who has no allergies, was put on an EKG after he began experiencing a rapid heart rate. You might think that would never happen, but it happens all the time and some people use their Epi a lot! It does not store any personal data. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. What happens if you stick yourself with an EpiPen accidentally? 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 . Do you have to go to the hospital if you use an EpiPen? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Others have used local infiltration of accidental epinephrine injection sites successfully [10]-[14]. 1 What happens if you accidentally take an EpiPen? The only way to prevent hypoglycemia is by avoiding injections into damaged skin, using a sterile needle, syringe, and vial every time you dose your insulin. This however, is the worst-case scenario. McGovern SJ: Treatment of accidental digital injection of adrenaline from an auto-injector device. Ann Allergy. )Aug 27, 2019. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this 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. For about ten seconds. This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Your email address will not be published. . PT comes in having stuck their thumb accidentally with an EpiPen while showing someone else how to use one. By using this website, you agree to our Call them and ask before you go down there. 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. 2 pencil. Its not pleasant to think about. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Most people understand that an Epipen contains epinephrine. The only difference was the real pen had a black tip and practice pen had a grey tip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | Dust Mite Solutions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC The tester should look altogether different from the actual pen with a vivid color or other markings. PubMed We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Privacy Talk to your health provider to see if Neocate is right for you. In the emergency room, his thumb was cold and pale. While reading the operating instructions, he attempted to launch the needle but erroneously placed his left thumb over the needle opening. 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. I decided against it. Hello, my name is Elaina and Im 16 years old. No need to use antiseptics or disinfectants. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. If you did not hear a click, that person may not have received any medication. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The chance of serious injury from an accidental injection increases if . This sub is under reconstruction, please be patient as we work to improve it. What if I use an EpiPen and dont need it? "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. Many patients also need more than one dose of epinephrine or other emergency treatments. This however, is the worst-case scenario. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. From recent research I came to the conclusion to soak my thigh in warm water. Its use is limited by adverse side effects such as hypotension and tachycardia, requiring adequate pre-hydration. Either way, glad you're OK! Formal training should be provided to all health professionals who prescribe or issue epinephrine autoinjectors. The provider orders an injection of a vasodilator to the digit, and documents a diagnosis of "Accidental epinephrine injection to L thumb". Use an Auto-Injector only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where . You'll feel a rush of energy. Swing the pen back about 6 inches and firmly push it against their thigh . In order for epinephrine to work properly, it must be injected into the thigh muscle. Ive also wondered what happens if you use an Epipen without needing it. Ive carried it around for years, just in case something were to happen. There are a few situations that come to mind when answering this question. I decided to try the practice one I knew was in the case. Journal of Medical Case Reports So we told him "Well, don't hit yourself so hard with it, honey!" and chuckled. I accidentally injected myself today in the thumb while administering to an adolescent who had shock after school at an event. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Immersion in warm water, application of topical nitroglycerin, and nerve blockade have been attempted without success, although Kaspersen et al. [4] 4. Management options for accidental injection of epinephrine from an autoinjector: a case report, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. 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. 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. Emerg Med J. Do not inject into a muscle because it could cause the patient to go into shock. 1. If I start to feel nausea and my stomach hurts or I get rashes and a headache, should I use an epipen? I had began to feel very energized and had slight pain on my outer thigh. 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. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, often to ordinary things like bee stings, peanut butter, or antibiotics. Philippe Staeger. Epinephrine is adrenaline and a naturally occurring hormone in the body. However, this is the worst-case situation. It can be given while wearing pants. It's painful so I cant type that much. Remove the device from your thigh . 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 Understandably, epinephrine will have a great effect on a small child than a grown adult and this can be scary. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3). Avoid rubbing your face with dried out hands; this can lead to more problems down the road. 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2007.00529.x. Keep all medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Almost immediately, I could tell something was off, not . The treatment consists of removing the needle from the device and replacing it with a new one. Keep your hand and fingers away from the needle end. This may also cause the loss of sensation to the ring and little fingers. He unintentionally injected the adrenaline into the tip of his thumb. (Brands may instruct users to hold the pen in place for 3, 5 or 10 seconds. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It was funny cause he has ADHD and it actually made him act kinda stoned for a bit. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. The effects may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cite this article. If you are giving an injection to someone else, such as a child, ensure that you follow proper safety procedures. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Hand sanitizer overuse can cause dry, cracked skin, as well as redness, discolouration, and flaking. If the contents of the needle splashed to nose, mouth, face or other skin areas, wash them well with soap. 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. When handling epinephrine auto-injectors, it is easy to accidentally inject yourself with epinephrine. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. Yang ended up being a liability because she didn't take the time to think. My son, 10 yrs. How many of you carry epinephrine auto-injectors for your children? CAS Figure B. 29/07/2008 23:27. EpiPen pro tips. If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:. I havent had to use mine, however, I still carry around the expensive auto-injector. The epinephrine is from epinephrine injection, USP 1:2000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution. In a hurry, Christina grabbed a syringe full of epinephrine and directed it to the patient's heart without looking. Immediate effects are: Local Vasoconstriction Loss of circulation/ adequate perfusion with a cap refill >4 seconds. If the wound was left open or if stitches were used, clean the wound daily: If surgical tape was used, keep the area clean and dry. All I want is to get through my day without screwing something up. As Teddy expected, Cristina began to work too quickly and wasn't careful with the instruments. As soon as he noticed the needle in his leg he pulled it out. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Mehr S, Robinson M, Tang M: Doctor - how do I use my EpiPen?. Part of How long does it take for epinephrine to wear off? Article Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In one way or another, you find yourself punctured with a freshly sharpened No. statement and My son's have always been. An accidental injection to the hands or feet can impair blood flow to these areas and can potentially cause tissue death. An ironic side note: An estimated 10% of accidental epinephrine injections occur when healthcare providers demonstrate how to use the injector to their patients! It's best to contact your healthcare provider right away after an accidental injection. Yep, been there done that. Only use the EpiPen injector provided by your doctor's office! Article Am J Emerg Med. 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. 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. Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color Calculate the . What causes the arms to go numb while sleeping? On this episode of ER or Not, Dr. Call first to speak to a nurse or doctor then take their advice on whether you need to visit the medical office. One woman committed suicide with epinephrine injectors. 10.1097/01.PRS.0000162160.26682.6E. Is it bad to use hand sanitizer all the time? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fitzcharles-Bowe C, Denkler K, Lalonde D: Finger injection with high-dose (1:1,000) epinephrine: does it cause finger necrosis and should it be treated?. For example, wear protective clothing when giving injections, use a sharps container to dispose of needles, and learn how to recognize signs of allergy attack (breathing problems, swelling of the face). Dry and cover the wound. I called my moms best friend who is an ER nurse and she said as long as thats the only symptoms I have and I dont feel any different I would be okay. 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. She ended up stabbing Alex (Justin Chambers) with a syringe full of epinephrine, which caused him to collapse. However, I was still feeling very energized. pain and swelling at the injection site. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Zucker G: Use of phentolamine to prevent necrosis due to levarterenol. If you accidentally stab the tip in your buttocks, the medication dosage will be less effective. It never hurts to refresh your memory on how to use your childs epinephrine shot. Doctor Ricky Brown breaks down the best things you can do to avoid an accidental stab with an Epipen so you don't accidentally stick yourself and overdose on. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Even though they are labeled I still get worried and have to look closely. Springer Nature. B12 injections or vaccinations), theres a sharp sting as the needle punctures the skin. Press J to jump to the feed. My wife accidentally stuck her finger and now its white, cold, numb and wrinkly like she just got out of the tub but refuses to seek medical attention. Epinephrine can kill you.