Tag: Accidental injection

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that occurs in about one in 50 Americans [1.8.1]. While epinephrine is a life-saving treatment, the question remains: **Is it bad to use an EpiPen when you don't need it?** Unnecessary use can lead to significant side effects [1.3.1].

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, administering epinephrine to a person who doesn't need it carries far fewer risks than failing to administer it during a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. However, an unintended EpiPen dose to a normal person will trigger a temporary, intense physical reaction due to the surge of adrenaline.

The active ingredient in an EpiPen, epinephrine, is a hormone our bodies produce naturally during stressful situations. If a person without allergies takes an EpiPen, they will experience a surge of this hormone, leading to unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the benefits of using an EpiPen during a suspected severe allergic reaction far outweigh the risk of using it unnecessarily. However, if you use an EpiPen when not in anaphylaxis, your body will still experience a significant physiological reaction to the powerful dose of epinephrine.