EpiPen Alternative

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 31, 2016

I LIKE IT!!! I recommend patients be told they get a pre-filled syringe in ALL cases as we know too much epi can be deadly. But yea, I like it.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Aug 31, 2016

Why are you recommending 0.5mg, when 0.3 would be a standard dose?

YoutubeTheNP · Aug 31, 2016

0.3-0.5 are both acceptable doses.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 2, 2016

Great video - thanks for sharing!

Pre-hospital personnel are now using this method - drawing up high-dose (1:1000) in syringes from vials with filtered needles, swapping out the needle and then giving injection.

In Watertown, NY, they are doing the same thing: N.Y. Town's Fire Crews Using Epinephrine Syringes Instead of EpiPens

Many other places are doing this also.

nutella, MSN, RN · Sep 2, 2016

Your video certainly shows why you call yourself the Youtube NP!

Here is what I like:

- interesting presentation and good quality of video and voice - looks professional

- good explanation of the problem and the "cheaper" method (which in fact was the only thing we had before the autoinjector came along).

- good overall explanation of the steps required

Here are some other points to think about:

- do people understand that this would be for adults only?

-do people understand that if it is not drawn up correctly ("more helps more") too much can lead to serious problems including heart problems and cardiac arrest?

- do people get the idea that it is not a good idea to buy it somehow from the internet without prescription?

I think people who depend on epi pens because on anaphylaxis should certainly know about this option. I wonder if it would be better for people to get some face to face education in the doctor's office with a nurse who has them practice or demonstrate/ teach back to ensure that they are capable and understand with opportunity to ask question?

My husband who is not in the medical field was discharged some years ago with a vial of insulin, syringes and a gluco meter - he had never drawn up a syringe himself out of a vial and once home had already forgotten about the instruction he had received. The struggle was real.

YoutubeTheNP · Sep 2, 2016

Here are some other points to think about:
- do people understand that this would be for adults only?
-do people understand that if it is not drawn up correctly ("more helps more") too much can lead to serious problems including heart problems and cardiac arrest?
- do people get the idea that it is not a good idea to buy it somehow from the internet without prescription?
.

Thank you for the comment!

I did make the video with some assumptions in mind. The first being that I was talking in regards to the EpiPen only (adult dose) versus the EpiPen Jr.

As far as drawing up too much, I gave alternatives like asking the pharmacy to do it. I also plan to make a video showing how easy it is to draw up, if I get enough demand for it.

I would hope no one buys anything from .com pharmacies without a RX, I definitely do not endorse that. lol

Thanks for feedback!!

I thank you for the compliments regarding the audio/video. I think the second half of the video is a little on the quiet side. I think my mic was somewhat covered up during the recording.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2016

Some of the benefits of the epipen is that it comes in kit form so you either lose all or none of it. Another benefit is that an untrained person could read the directions and hopefully administer it if the person goes unconscious. Another consideration is in my area, EMT-Bs can use the epipen but they are not trained to draw up meds. That falls under EMT-I/advanced-EMTs/specialists/whatever they are now and paramedics.

nutella, MSN, RN · Sep 2, 2016

Thank you for the comment!
I did make the video with some assumptions in mind. The first being that I was talking in regards to the EpiPen only (adult dose) versus the EpiPen Jr.
As far as drawing up too much, I gave alternatives like asking the pharmacy to do it. I also plan to make a video showing how easy it is to draw up, if I get enough demand for it.
I would hope no one buys anything from .com pharmacies without a RX, I definitely do not endorse that. lol
Thanks for feedback!!
I thank you for the compliments regarding the audio/video. I think the second half of the video is a little on the quiet side. I think my mic was somewhat covered up during the recording.

Yes, I am impressed by the quality !

I had thought about making small clips with instructions for patients/families to address most common questions they ask. But before I even got started on that I took a different position.

Do you use a professional camera?

stevepressley · Sep 2, 2016

Your video is very helpful. The problem is going to be at the schools...Good luck!

CindyM60 · Sep 3, 2016

Great Video!

Comment - what is the stability of pre drawn epi ( or any drug for that matter) at room temperature?

Cindy RN, MN, OHS

Advanced Certified Practice - Remote

OffTheGrid · Sep 3, 2016

Thanks for your thoughtfulness in providing this video. Sure, it's not the perfect alternative, but it's a more honest one. No one will be getting a million dollar check from this option.