Teva’s Epinephrine Auto-Injector – Using the deviceTeva’s Epinephrine Auto-Injector – Creating a plan for allergy emergenciesTeva’s Epinephrine Auto-Injector – Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about anaphylaxis and how to use Teva’s Epinephrine Auto-Injector.
Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that can happen within minutes of a person being in contact with an allergen. Insect stings, certain foods or medicines, and other substances can cause this reaction. Be sure to discuss causes of anaphylaxis with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include flushed skin, fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, itching, rashes, and more. See the Patient Information for more symptoms of anaphylaxis. It’s important to stay calm and act quickly during an emergency.
3 steps for using Teva’s Epinephrine Auto-Injector.
Get familiar with these steps in the summary below. Be sure to read the full Instructions for Use provided with your auto-injector before you use it.
Your healthcare provider will show you how to safely use the epinephrine auto-injector. Use the epinephrine auto-injector exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
A grey Trainer auto-injector is included in each pack. The Trainer contains no medicine and no needle. You can practice with the Trainer. See the Instructions for Use for practice instructions.
The blue safety release helps prevent accidental injection of the device. Do not remove the blue safety release until you are ready to use it.
Prepare the injection
Quickly twist off the yellow or green cap in the direction of the "twist arrow" to remove it
Grasp the auto-injector in your fist with the orange tip (needle end) pointing downward. With your other hand, pull off the blue safety release
Only inject into the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg). Never inject into any other part of the body. The auto-injector is designed to work through clothing.
Administer the injection
If you are administering epinephrine injection to a young child, hold their leg firmly in place
Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle to the thigh. Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it 'clicks'. The click signals that the injection has started
Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3). The injection is now complete
Remove the auto-injector from the thigh.The orange tip will extend to cover the needle. If the needle is still visible, do not attempt to reuse it
Massage the injection area for 10 seconds
SWING AND PUSH
HOLD FIRMLY
REMOVE AUTO-INJECTOR & MASSAGE AREA
Caution: Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the orange tip. Never press or push the orange tip with your thumb, fingers, or hand. The needle comes out of the orange tip.
Accidental injection into fingers, hands or feet may cause a loss of blood flow to those areas. If this happens, go immediately to the nearest emergency room. Tell the healthcare provider where on your body you received the accidental injection.
Get emergency medical help now
You may need further medical attention. You may need to use a second epinephrine injection if symptoms continue or recur. Take your used auto-injector with you when you go to see a healthcare provider
Tell the healthcare provider that you have received an injection and where it was injected
Give the used epinephrine auto-injector to the healthcare provider for inspection and proper disposal, and ask for a refill if needed
Rarely, people who have used epinephrine may develop infections at the injection site within a few days of the injection. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or area is warm to the touch.
You can’t always predict an allergic emergency, but you can be ready for it.
Two auto-injectors are included whenever you fill a prescription. Work with your healthcare provider on having an emergency plan in place.
A few things to consider about your emergency plan:
Are you currently taking any medicines?
How many auto-injectors do you have available?
Who knows about the allergy and can call 911 in case of an emergency?
Who are your emergency contacts аnd do you have their home, work, and cell numbers?
Adapted from the Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
Frequently asked questions.
What does “equivalent to EpiPen®” mean?
That means Teva's Epinephrine Auto-Injector contains the same active ingredient and is expected to work the same way in the body.
What does Teva's Epinephrine Auto-Injector treat?
Teva's Epinephrine Auto-Injector is a prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening, allergic emergencies including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic emergencies. The auto-injector contains a single dose of epinephrine for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. You should get emergency help right away after using Teva's Epinephrine Auto-Injector.
How do I know when to use my Epinephrine Auto-Injector?
The healthcare provider who prescribed the epinephrine auto-injector for you (or your child) will tell you what to look for in an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis) and explain how to use the auto-injector. Only use your auto-injector exactly how your healthcare provider tells you. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise, or unknown causes. Some signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Trouble breathing
Wheezing
Hoarseness (changes in how the voice sounds)
Hives (a raised rash that may itch)
Severe itching
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue
Skin rash, redness, or swelling
Fast heartbeat
Weak pulse
Feeling very anxious
Confusion
Stomach pain
Losing control of urine or bowel movements
Diarrhea or stomach cramps
Dizziness, fainting, or “passing out” (unconsciousness)
For more information please see the Patient Information and Instructions for Use.Be sure to ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to recognize an allergic emergency or how to use the auto-injector
Why are there 2 Epinephrine Auto-Injectors in the carton?
Having two auto-injectors in each carton allows you to have a second auto-injector readily available.
Where should I keep my auto-injector(s)?
Store the epinephrine auto-injector at room temperature between 68° to 77° F (20° to 25° C). Protect the auto-injector from light and do not expose it to extreme cold or heat. For example, do not store in your vehicle's glove box and do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Examine the contents in the clear window of your auto-injector from time to time. The solution should be clear. If the solution is discolored (pinkish or darker than slightly yellow) or if it is cloudy, replace it.
Always protect your epinephrine auto-injector from damage and water.
Who should know about my emergency plan?
Let family members, caregivers, and others around you know where your epinephrine auto-injector is kept and how to use it so they’ll be prepared in case of an emergency.
How long are auto-injectors good for?
The expiration date can be found printed on the auto-injector. Do not use your epinephrine auto-injector after the expiration date. Sign up for refill reminders.
Why do generics cost less than brand-name medicines?
Generics cost less than brand-name medicines for 3 main reasons:
Generic manufacturers don't start product development from scratch
Costly clinical trials and research have already been completed by brand manufacturers
Less money is spent on big advertising and marketing programs
Of course, manufacturers still must show the FDA that the generic performs the same as the brand-name medicine.
Can I buy more than one Epinephrine Auto-Injector at a time?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you need additional auto-injectors to keep at work, school or other locations. Your prescription should include the number of auto-injectors you need. If you are using insurance, the insurance provider may have a maximum number of auto-injectors they will cover per prescription. Contact your insurance provider for details about your plan.
