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Epinephrine

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This product may contain sulfites. However, if you have a sulfite allergy, you should still use this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can save your life, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as angina, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially a rapid rise in blood pressure.

If you are pregnant, this drug can be used the same way as if you were not pregnant.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or pale skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: irregular heartbeat, signs of infection at the injection site (such as redness that doesn't go away, warmth, swelling, or pain).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, fainting, vision changes, seizures, confusion.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.