Anaphylaxis 
 
Signs and Symptoms:  

• Hives
• Itching
• Skin Redness
• Swelling of the tongue or lips
• Throat tightening
• Breathing difficulty
• Wheezing or coughing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint/drop in blood pressure (if only this 1 symptom it is still anaphylaxis
• Feeling of impending doom 

Use the auto-injector right away and call 911! Time is of the essence – better to err of the side of caution and use the auto-injector. Recruit someone to help you – assistance is crucial.

• EpiPen
• Auvi-Q
• generic epinephrine 

• Give epinephrine in the outer aspect of the thigh. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Rub the site afterwards. 
• Place person in reclining position with legs elevated. Cover with a blanket or jacket.
• Be aware the person may vomit. If vomiting, make sure to turn head to prevent aspiration. If having difficulty breathing keep person upright. 
• Be aware the epinephrine may wear off and a second dose needs to be given. If signs or symptoms don’t resolve within 5-10 minutes or if they return give a second dose. 
• Stay until emergency personnel arrive. Give the used injector to EMS. 

Side effects of epinephrine (these are common and will go away):

• Anxious feeling
• Fast heartbeat
• Nausea
• Headache
• Pale
• Shaky 

 
 
 
Other important steps: 
Instruct someone to direct EMS to where the person is. 
Notify parents and School Nurse. 
Take note of the time of administration of the medication. 
School Nurse will help you document the administration of the med and a Student Accident Report.