How do EpiPen and Adrenaclick work?
Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick are indicated for the treatment of anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction caused by exposure to things like peanuts or bee stings. Symptoms of anaphylaxis progress quickly and can include trouble breathing, nausea, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure and even cardiac arrest.
EpiPen and Adrenaclick stop anaphylaxis by constricting the blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxing muscles in the airways to reduce wheezing and improve breathing, and increasing heart rate to keep the heart beating.
Forms and Strengths
EpiPen
EpiPen and its generic form of epinephrine are available in packages of two auto-injectors, each dosed at either 0.15 mg or 0.3 mg.
Adrenaclick
Likewise, Adrenaclick and its generic form of epinephrine are available in packages of two auto-injectors, each dosed at either 0.15 mg or 0.3 mg.
How are EpiPen and Adrenaclick administered?
Recommended dose
Dosing of EpiPen and Adrenaclick is based on your weight. Individuals weighing 33 lbs to 66 lbs would use EpiPen 0.15 mg or Adrenaclick 0.15 mg, while individuals weighing more than 66 lbs would use EpiPen 0.3 mg or Adrenaclick 0.3 mg.
Administration
EpiPen and Adrenaclick differ in how they’re used. Be sure to read the following instructions carefully to avoid incorrect administration.
To use EpiPen, you first have to remove the cap and safety release before pushing the auto-injector firmly into your outer thigh. Then, you need to activate the auto-injector and hold it in place for 3 seconds.
In contrast, with Adrenaclick, you first remove two caps on opposite ends of the auto-injector before injecting it firmly into your outer thigh. Then, like EpiPen, you need to activate the auto-injector and hold it in place for 3 seconds.
Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick can be injected through clothing, if necessary.
What are common side effects of EpiPen and Adrenaclick?
The most common side effects of both EpiPen and Adrenaclick include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, nausea and vomiting.
How much do EpiPen and Adrenaclick cost?
Both EpiPen and Adrenaclick have generics, which are cheaper than their pricey brand-name counterparts. The cash price of generic EpiPen is about $300 for a carton of two auto-injectors, while the cash price for generic Adrenaclick is as low as $109.99 for two auto-injectors at CVS.
Are there any special considerations?
To ease recent shortages of EpiPen, the FDA extended expiration dates for specific lots of both EpiPen and Adrenaclick. Also, certain states now allow pharmacists to substitute brand-name EpiPen with generic Adrenaclick. Ohio, for example, is working on the Epinephrine Accessibility Act, which seeks to make epinephrine auto-injectors more affordable and accessible by allowing the pharmacist to substitute expensive brand-name auto-injectors with less expensive generics.
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