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oa Needle stick injury from epinephrine autoinjector to healthcare professionals: Two case reports
- Source: Journal of Emergency Medicine, Trauma and Acute Care, Volume 2025, Issue 2, May 2025, 20
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- 02 November 2024
- 24 February 2025
- 29 April 2025
Abstract
Allergic disorders are steadily increasing, and so is the incidence of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for anaphylaxis. Fatalities from anaphylaxis occur if epinephrine is not administered or delayed in administration. Epinephrine is not effective orally but works rapidly if administered intramuscularly. Epinephrine can be delivered easily via Epinephrine AutoInjector (EAI), safely and soon after the onset of anaphylaxis, and can be carried portably. There are few approved EAI brands, but EpiPen is the most commonly used brand. Accidental EAI injuries are increasing in prevalence in the community and also among the healthcare workers while administering it. Injuries occur to any part but mostly to the limb digits. According to evidence, most injuries make full recovery. We present two cases of healthcare professionals who experienced accidental EAI injury at the primary care health center. The designs of alternate EAIs compared with EpiPen are safer for both the public and the healthcare professionals while delivering the same result. Regular training in the use of EAI reduces the accidental injuries.