If you’re allergic to something, your immune system views that allergen as a serious threat - and then responds very aggressively to its presence. Its job is to snuff out foreign invaders - like viruses and bacteria - that pose a risk to your health. The explanation starts with your immune system, which serves as a kind of internal bodyguard. The simplest way to define anaphylaxis is as a “severe allergic reaction.” Here’s what’s happening within your body. “We always suggest erring on the side of using it if there’s any hint that a serious reaction is underway,” she says. Don’t delay using an EpiPen or other auto-injector.

Take any symptom or sign of anaphylaxis seriously, advises Dr. This feeling may start before symptoms become visible. Many people with severe allergies also report a “sense of doom” as their body begins reacting to an allergen, whether it’s a certain food, an insect bite, medication or another trigger. Swelling, which can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.So, when should you use an EpiPen or similar auto-injector? Basically, at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction, says Dr. “Knowing what to do in the situation is important.” When to use an EpiPen “Minutes matter when you’re dealing with anaphylaxis,” stresses Dr. Hold the EpiPen firmly in place for three seconds.Using a slight swing, jab the auto-injector into the thigh until you hear the device click. Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh.Remember this phrase: Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh. Hold the EpiPen with the orange tip (where the needle is) pointing downward and the blue safety cap pointing up.Remove the EpiPen from its carrier tube.EpiPens and other auto-injectors are designed with simplicity in mind, with similar instructions. It’s critical to use the device quickly and correctly to administer the medication. “It’s really the first line of defense,” says allergist and immunologist Anuja Kapil, MD. Using an epinephrine auto-injector - more commonly known by the brand name EpiPen® - can help reverse symptoms of anaphylaxis.

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