How to Give Yourself an Epinephrine Shot
Step 1
Your epinephrine injector may have a black or orange tip. Grasp the injector in one fist with the black (or orange) tip pointing down. Do not touch the tip.
Step 2
With your other hand, pull off the gray (or blue) cap.
Step 3
Hold the black or orange tip close to your outer thigh. Swing and jab the tip firmly into your outer thigh. Jab through clothing if you must, but bare skin is best. The injector should go straight into your skin, at a 90-degree angle to your thigh. Keep the injector in your thigh for 10 seconds. The injection is complete. You will see a red flag in the injector window.
If you do not see a red flag, repeat step 3.
It is normal for most of the liquid to be left in the injector. Do not try to inject the remaining liquid.
Step 4
Remove the injector, and place your hand on the area where the medicine entered your skin. Rub the area for about 10 seconds
Step 5
Put the used injector, needle-end first, into the storage tube that comes with your injector. Do not bend the needle. Screw on the cap of the storage tube. Go to the emergency room, and bring the used injector with you.
Last Revised: August 26, 2010
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
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