Emergency allergy medicine

Epinephrine shots are used to treat a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling in the throat and difficulty breathing.

Shots to treat anaphylaxis are given with an autoinjector. This device has a self-injecting syringe and needle. You might need to carry two autoinjectors if there's a chance you have a severe allergy. Severe allergic reactions might be triggered by food, such as peanuts, or insect venom, such as bees and wasps.

A healthcare professional will train you on how to use an epinephrine autoinjector. Get the type that your health professional prescribes, as each brand may work differently. Also, be sure to replace your emergency epinephrine before the expiration date.

Sometimes, a second injection is needed. If anaphylaxis happens, call 911 or get emergency medical care.

Examples of these emergency allergy medicines include:

• Adrenaclick.
• Auvi-Q.
• EpiPen.
• EpiPen Jr.
• Symjepi.