Is It Possible To Be Allergic to Epinephrine?

In most cases, a true allergy to epinephrine doesn't exist. Why?

Because epinephrine is naturally present in the body, so a minor, additional injected amount of epinephrine is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Also, the component of our immune system that causes respiratory-system swelling is tuned to react to foreign allergens. That is not to say that people haven't experienced *side effects* due to epinephrine, including things like faster heart rate, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and anxiety.

These changes are not immediately life-threatening and are signs that the injected epinephrine is working in the body as intended—that is, to reverse a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. These side effects of epinephrine are minor compared to death! Often these effects are due to the allergic reaction and not epinephrine, or are the natural effects of adrenaline on the body. They may go away with rest.

If you've been prescribed epinephrine, inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, especially if you have:

• Heart problems or high blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Thyroid problems

• Asthma

• History of depression

• Parkinson’s disease

• Any other medical conditions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

NOTE: If you have a history of anaphylaxis, your healthcare provider may instruct you to use epinephrine regardless of a confirmed allergy to it or a previous negative reaction. That's because anaphylaxis is so life-threatening that the benefits of epinephrine outweigh the risks.

Always call 911 even if you have your own epinephrine and have administered it. The allergen that you are reacting to may be present in your system for longer than your dose of epinephrine will last.

Remember #EpiFirstEpiFast and #AlwaysCarryTwo

Source: verywellhealth.com