Epipen Jr is one of the brand names of an emergency, auto-injection device that contains epinephrine.It carries half the dose of a regular Epipen and is used as an emergency aid for people who suffer allergic reactions that are sudden and severe, such as from a bee sting, food or medications. It is designed to keep the person suffering the reaction from going into anaphylactic shock, a condition that can be fatal. The Mayo Clinic states that many serious side effects of the Epipen Jr have been reported, but the incidence is not known.
Injection Site Reaction
You should inject Epipen Jr into the outer part of your thigh into your muscle or under the skin. There is the potential for many potential side effects at the location of the shot. The skin may bleed or blister, or you may feel a sensation of cold or heat there. Your skin may become discolored and you may feel pressure there. You may develop an infection or inflammation, or hives may appear at the site. There also may be tingling, tenderness, scarring, redness, a rash, pain, numbing, swelling or stinging at the site as well. These all are types of side effects that require medical help immediately.
Mental Side Effects
Some side effects of the Epipen Jr can affect your mental state. For example, RxList.com says that anxiety, restlessness and apprehensiveness are transient side effects, meaning they should fade after using the medication regularly. Drugs.com relates fear as a temporary side effect as well.
Pain
Aside from pain where the Epipen Jr was used to inject epinephrine, there also is the potential for pain elsewhere in your body. For example, there may be pain in your chest or in your jaw, back or arms. You may get a headache from it as well. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience pain in any of these areas.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of the Epipen Jr also need medical attention, the Mayo Clinic states. These include changes in the way things feel when you touch them, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, a stroke, breathing problems, abnormal weakness, vomiting, sweating and skin paleness, among others. Heart problems can include an irregular, slow or rapid heartbeat as well as palpitations. Side effects of taking too much epinephrine are severe and require emergency medical aid. These include seizures, a coma, mental confusion, hostility, stomach cramps, drowsiness, depression, agitation, skin coldness, lethargy, a stupor and deep, quick breathing, among others.
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