Replacing An EpiPen: When Does an Epinephrine Auto-Injector Need to Go?

In the case of an anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction, many people rely of an EpiPen (Epinephrine Auto Injector) or an EpiPen Jr. to save their lives. It is very important to periodically check your EpiPen to see if it is in good working order. It can be the difference between life and death. Here is how you can tell whether an EpiPen needs to be replaced.

Has it been used?

An EpiPen should only ever be used ONCE. If it has been, it has to go. When an injector has been used, you can see, clearly, the long needle fully exposed at the tip of the injector. Also, the clear window on the injector will be RED indicating that the epinephrine has been expelled.

Is it faulty?

Rarely, an Epipen is faulty. Check to see if any part of the injector itself is cracked or leaking. You should NOT be able to see any visible damage to your injector or feel any wetness on it. If the needle is securely inside the injector, you should NOT be able to see red in the window on it's side.

Is it expired?

Just like all medications, the epinephrine in your EpiPen has an expiry date. Check the black rectangle on the upper half of your injector. It will show it's "Lot #" (for identification and tracking), and under that, an expiry (written as "EXP") date with month and year. The box that your EpiPen came in will also have a black rectangular box with the expiry on it on the flap.

Has the solution in the EpiPen gone "off"?

Look carefully at the clear window of the injector to check if the solution has any particles in it. Look to see if it has turned cloudy, brown or yellowish. The solution in your Epipen should ALWAYS be CLEAR.

If the answer to any of the above questions was "yes", then you MUST dispose of and replace your EpiPen IMMEDIATELY in order to be fully protected in case of an anaphylactic/allergic emergency. Call your pharmacist for a refill as soon as possible.