Even if the EpiPen seems to be working and you feel okay, you still need to seek immediate medical attention. You may have another reaction or need additional medication or treatment. If you call the emergency number, tell the operator exactly what you were exposed to and how long after exposure you used your EpiPen. If there is a risk of additional exposure, let them know about that as well. It will help emergency responders know what to do when they get to you.
If you don’t have the original packaging for your EpiPen, write the time down on the outside of the tube with a permanent marker. Do not dispose of your used EpiPen until you’ve received medical attention. Keep it with you so you can give it to the medical professionals who treat you.
Medical personnel know how to dispose of EpiPens properly. Typically, after the amount of medication and time are noted, they will dispose of it with the rest of the medical waste.
If you can’t find the expiration date on the device, use the date on the box as a reference. However, it’s a good idea to take the EpiPen to a pharmacist and ask them if they can figure out the expiration date.
You may want to call ahead to your usual pharmacy and make sure they have EpiPens available. If they are out and it’s close to the expiration date for your old EpiPen, you may need to check at a different pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist to give you an EpiPen with the latest possible expiration date, so it will last longer.
Do not attempt to use an EpiPen if the liquid inside is discolored or if there are solid particles in the liquid. This is a sign that the medication has destabilized and injection could be dangerous. You can view the liquid through the window on the side of your EpiPen. It is surrounded by a yellow box with the words “Replace if solution is discolored. " An expired EpiPen may not have enough medication to stop a severe allergic reaction. If all you have is an expired EpiPen, call the emergency number and state specifically that you used an expired EpiPen. Do not attempt to inject yourself again, even if you find an EpiPen that is still good. You don’t want to risk an overdose. Set a reminder on your computer, phone, or other electronic device so you’ll know when your EpiPen will soon expire and can replace it. Do not rely exclusively on an expired EpiPen.
You can also give your expired EpiPen to your healthcare provider when they renew your prescription if you’re not planning on keeping it to use as a backup.
Because of the humidity, don’t keep your EpiPen in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. If you take your EpiPen to work, invest in a storage case or locker specifically designed to maintain the proper environment. You can find these at major online retailers. Your doctor may also have a recommendation. If your child has an EpiPen for school, give it to the school nurse rather than letting your child keep it with them. School nurses have special lockers where EpiPens can be kept at the proper humidity levels.
If you’re outdoors for an extended period of time, you might consider using a commercial carrier to keep your EpiPen in. These carriers are designed to keep your EpiPen cool and can be purchased online. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations. While it may seem convenient to keep your EpiPen in a car glovebox, this is not recommended because of the extreme temperature changes. Only do this if you live in a relatively mild climate where temperatures do not fluctuate and humidity isn’t extreme.
If you are traveling to a country where EpiPens are only available with a prescription, you may need a letter from your doctor explaining that the EpiPen is a medical necessity. Contact your country’s passport agency in advance of your trip to find out what is required.
If the safety release cap comes off but the EpiPen has not been used, you can replace the cap. Return the unit to its carrier tube with the safety release end facing towards the opening. Gently press the cap back onto the end, being careful to keep your fingers clear of either end. [13] X Research source
