Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
123 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is It Safe To Continue Using EpiPen For Swelling Caused Due To Insect Bite?

Our 75 year old father was stung by a hornet, in the past he has needed an epi pen for severe swelling. This time ice was applied within 3-5 minutes, 20 min intervals and swelling is minimal:How long after a sting could he need to use the epi pen? If swelling doesn t get worse and no other anaphylactic issues should he still use the medication?
posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015
Twitter Thu, 9 Apr 2020 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 15 Apr 2020 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

* Epipen is used as an emergency drug with epinephrine acting as systemic hormone, neurotransmitter and medication.

* The usual indications are shock, severe allergy, anaphylactic reactions of grave presentation.

* However, current insect bite with minimal swelling at 20 minutes interval of ice application, does not sound to be an emergency to use Epipen.

* It is best recommended not to use Epipen as a prophylaxis that no other anaphylaxis issue will occur.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Is It Safe To Continue Using EpiPen For Swelling Caused Due To Insect Bite?

Hello, * Epipen is used as an emergency drug with epinephrine acting as systemic hormone, neurotransmitter and medication. * The usual indications are shock, severe allergy, anaphylactic reactions of grave presentation. * However, current insect bite with minimal swelling at 20 minutes interval of ice application, does not sound to be an emergency to use Epipen. * It is best recommended not to use Epipen as a prophylaxis that no other anaphylaxis issue will occur. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel