How to Use an EpiPen
Medically Reviewed by
- Ronald L. Brown, M.D.
Question
I had a pretty bad reaction to a bee sting a few years back, with hives all over my body. I was prescribed an EpiPen. If I get stung again, do I use the pen right away or wait to see if I have a reaction? After using the pen, should I go to the ER?
Answer
If you are stung and start to have any whole-body reaction such as hives or any respiratory problems, you should immediately use your EpiPen and then go straight to the ER.
If you had whole-body hives in the past, you should be allergy tested to see if you are truly allergic and, if you are, you should be placed on venom allergy shots. This is a well-proven way to prevent allergic reactions from occurring in the first place - which is far safer than relying on epinephrine stop a serious reaction.