Grantham Medical
Walk-In Clinic. Community Pharmacy. Family Practice.

Allergies

EMERGENCY DEVICES

Allergies & Emergency Auto-Injectors

Allergic reactions can range from mild sneezing and hives to serious, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Knowing what to do and how to use an auto-injector can save a life.

When To Seek Emergency Help

Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you or someone else experiences:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

  • Tightness in the chest or wheezing

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Vomiting after allergen exposure

  • Rapid heartbeat or dizziness

Even after using an auto-injector, emergency medical attention is essential. Epinephrine only provides temporary relief, and symptoms can return!

EpiPen

EpiPen helps treat serious allergic reactions. Use it right away if you, or someone else, has:

  • Trouble breathing (wheezing, tight chest, or throat closing)

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

  • Hives or skin swelling along with vomiting, a fast heartbeat, or feeling very unwell

  • Been exposed to something you're severely allergic to (like peanuts, shellfish, insect stings, or certain medications)

If you're not sure—use it. It could save a life.

Watch the video linked for guidance on how to use an EpiPen, or read our step-by-step guide below:

  1. Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh.
    Hold the pen with the orange tip pointing down.

  2. Remove the blue safety cap by pulling straight up.

  3. Push the orange tip firmly into the outer thigh (through clothing if needed) until you hear a click.

  4. Hold for 3 seconds, then remove.

  5. Call 911 right away. Bring the used EpiPen with you for proper disposal and a replacement.

If symptoms don’t improve or return, use a second EpiPen after 5–15 minutes.

 

Allerject

Allerject is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions. Use it right away if you, or someone else, has:

  • Trouble breathing (wheezing, tight chest, or throat feeling like it’s closing)

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

  • Hives or skin swelling along with vomiting, a racing heart, or feeling faint or unwell

  • Been exposed to something you’re severely allergic to (like peanuts, shellfish, insect stings, or certain medications)

Allerject talks you through what to do with voice instructions. Just pull it out and listen.
When in doubt, use it. Then call 911 and go to the hospital.

Watch the video linked for guidance on how to use an Allerject, or read our step-by-step guide below:

  1. Take Allerject out of the case.
    Only remove it when you’re ready to use it.

  2. Pull off the red safety guard.
    (It may be tight, pull firmly.)

  3. Press the black end firmly against the outer thigh (through clothing if needed).
    Hold it in place for 5 seconds. You’ll hear a click and hiss (that’s normal).

  4. Call 911 immediately.
    Bring the used Allerject with you for proper disposal and a replacement.