Epinephrine auto-injector

Obviously, we all want to avoid having reactions and having to use an epinephrine auto-injector, but sometimes that is not in the cards; sometimes we have to use epinephrine. Do not worry; using an epinephrine auto-injector is not very painful, especially compared to the subsequent relief that you feel. Recently, I had a reaction to an apple dessert. I asked the waitress multiple times if there were nut ingredients, she said that she checked, and there were not any nut ingredients, yet in actuality she did not consult the ingredients booklet. I had a reaction, and started to exhibit many of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction that seemed to be steadily getting worse. I decided to use my epinephrine and go to the hospital. Everyone who has been prescribed epinephrine has either asked or received the following question hundreds of times: "Does it hurt to stab yourself with the auto-injector?" Well, in my experiences, it did not hurt; I barely felt it. My father asked me if I wanted him to do it. There was no doubt in my mind that I should be the one to inject the epinephrine because I want to know that I can do it if I am ever alone. I followed all the directions, stabbed myself with the pen, and I held it there for fifteen seconds. When I withdrew the needle, I remember being surprised that there had been minimal pain. I started to feel better almost immediately. If you have not administered epinephrine to yourself, I suggest that you practice with the practice injector so that you feel comfortable with injecting yourself. Clearly, it is not a difficult or painful process. Hopefully, you will never need to actually use the auto-injector on yourself, but if you do, be prepared. There is minimal pain! -Sam, 16, is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and other foods. He is a TAG member.