EpiPens are prescribed to people who are at risk of experiencing a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If you've already experienced anaphylaxis and you might encounter the triggering agent again, then clinicians recommend that you keep an epinephrine auto-injector on hand. It could keep you out of the hospital, or even save your life.

If you've already experienced anaphylaxis and you don't know what triggered the allergic reaction, you also need an EpiPen in case you encounter the unknown trigger again.

Please note: This information is for general reference only. Your clinician will review your symptoms and health history to determine if an epinephrine auto-injector renewal is medically necessary.

The most common triggers of anaphylaxis are medications (like antibiotics or NSAIDs), stinging insects (like bees, wasps, or fire ants), and foods (like shellfish, peanuts, or tree nuts). But in up to 20% of cases, the trigger is unknown.

Anaphylaxis can happen quickly after exposure to the allergen, normally within one to two hours, and sometimes within minutes. It can also reoccur up to 3 days after exposure, which is why people at high risk should be monitored closely after a severe allergic event.

While mild or moderate allergic reactions only involve one organ system, usually the skin, anaphylaxis is characterized by the sudden involvement of one or more organ systems. So someone with anaphylaxis might have trouble breathing in addition to hives. We recommend that you become familiar with the full list of anaphylaxis symptoms below:

*Low blood pressure can sometimes be the sole symptom of anaphylactic shock.

Epinephrine, the medication in an EpiPen, is the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis. After epinephrine is injected into the thigh of someone experiencing anaphylactic shock, the medication immediately starts working to reduce their throat swelling, open their airways, and stabilize their heart function and blood pressure.

While antihistamines can treat mild allergic reactions, there's no life-saving substitute for epinephrine when multiple organ systems are involved.

Prescription renewals for the following epinephrine auto-injectors are available through Amazon Clinic:

The cost of an EpiPen can vary widely depending on insurance coverage, pharmacy discounts, and whether you choose generic or brand name medication. The FDA approved generic EpiPen options in 2018, which lowered prices for many people at risk of anaphylaxis.

Please note: This information is for general reference only. Your online doctor or nurse practitioner will review your symptoms and health history to determine which (if any) anaphylaxis treatments are medically appropriate.

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