If you are lucky, you probably have a few expired EpiPens laying around. We happened to have four of them recently. Yeah! Another year with no major reactions :) Now the question is, what to do with all those expired EpiPens? If you have never used one or its just been a while, you may want to consider practicing using an orange or a grapefruit.
Of course, if you have an EpiPen you are probably familiar with the training device that most likely came with your EpiPens. These devices can be useful and are ideal for practicing with young children or used for a quick review with the sitter, but there are some subtle differences between these trainers and the real thing.
If you do not own a training device, I would recommend getting one so that you are able to familiarize anyone at anytime with the use of you or your childs EpiPen. This is a great educational tool. If multiple trainers are needed, they can be purchased from Onespot Allergy for a small fee, or you can contact Dey Pharmaceuticals (manufacturer of EpiPen) at 1-800-869-9005 and request a free training device through their automated ordering system. Do to high demand, Dey asks that you limit your requests to only one or two trainers. This will also allow for faster delivery of your training device (usually within one week of ordering).
Differences between the EpiPen and the Training Device
How to practice using your expired EpiPen
You will need either an orange or a large grapefruit. The thick skin of the orange is similar to the thigh muscle covered in heavy jean-like material, while the slightly thinner skin of a grapefruit resembles a thigh muscle either bare or covered with a lighter material.
*The older style EpiPens will have a gray safety release and a black tip.
If you have several expired EpiPens, use them to educate family and friends. I recently brought in an orange for my son's teacher to practice using one of his expired EpiPens she had in the classroom. It's funny, people actually get pretty excited about doing this so take advantage, get people involved and enjoy the opportunity to teach!
Other related posts:
The cost of EpiPens
Of course, if you have an EpiPen you are probably familiar with the training device that most likely came with your EpiPens. These devices can be useful and are ideal for practicing with young children or used for a quick review with the sitter, but there are some subtle differences between these trainers and the real thing.
Differences between the EpiPen and the Training Device
- The EpiPen of course, is for single use only, whereas the training device can be used multiple times.
- Strong pressure is needed when using the EpiPen, as it is designed to be used directly through clothing such as heavy denim, while the trainer requires only moderate pressure.
- The EpiPen has a large "kick" as the needle presents itself and begins dispensing the medication. The trainer does not produce this kick-back.
- When the injection is complete the small window, used to view the solution of the EpiPen, will be obscured. This window is not present on the training device.
- A green or yellow label appears on the EpiPen and a blue label along with the words, "Training Devise" is present on the trainer which contains no needle.
How to practice using your expired EpiPen
- Hold the fruit securely against a flat surface.
- Remove the blue* safety release on your EpiPen and place the orange* tip gently against the area of the fruit where the needle will go as a way of visualizing your target spot.
- Keeping a firm grip on the orange/grapefruit and holding the EpiPen 2-3 inches from the fruit now, quickly and firmly push the orange* tip of your EpiPen against the fruit. Be prepared for the kick-back and listen for the click as the needle comes out of the orange* tip.
- Hold the EpiPen steady for approximately 10 seconds. Remember, the small window on the EpiPen should be obscured indicating the injection is complete.
- Remove carefully. The orange needle cover will extend to cover the needle. (Note: The older style EpiPen does not have a needle cover. After removal, the needle will be exposed with possible medication dripping from the tip. Return the EpiPen to its protective case. If you do not have the protective case a cork can be used to cover the needle.)
- Used EpiPens can be brought back to your physicians office for proper disposal.
If you have several expired EpiPens, use them to educate family and friends. I recently brought in an orange for my son's teacher to practice using one of his expired EpiPens she had in the classroom. It's funny, people actually get pretty excited about doing this so take advantage, get people involved and enjoy the opportunity to teach!
Other related posts:
The cost of EpiPens
