Anaphylaxis
![Anaphylaxis allergens](/siteitems/Resources/Anaphylaxis/anaphylaxis-01.jpg)
Anaphylaxis can be life threatening, but you can save a life if you ACT in time.
Signs and symptoms
- Severe diffculty breathing
- Diffculty speaking (due to swelling)
- Tightness in the chest
- Anxiety
- Swelling around the face/lips/mouth
- Obvious rash - itchy, red, welts
- Unconsciousness
![ACT in time and save a life!](/siteitems/Resources/Anaphylaxis/anaphylaxis-02.jpg)
How to use an epipen®
![How to use an epipen](/siteitems/Resources/Anaphylaxis/anaphylaxis-03.jpg)
- Hold in your dominant hand and pull off blue safety release.
- Swing and jab the tip of the Epipen into upper, outer thigh (with or without clothes, but avoiding seams).
- Hold the injection in place for 10 seconds.
- Massage the injection site for 10 seconds.
- Phone for an ambulance.
Avoid eating or drinking anything. Do not take/give any other medication or medical remedies. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, insect stings, medications, and latex.
![ACT - Act quickly, Call for help, Take Epipen](/siteitems/Resources/Anaphylaxis/anaphylaxis-04.gif)
![Common Causes](/siteitems/Resources/Anaphylaxis/anaphylaxis-05.gif)