Updates to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors

In an attempt to reduce injury and infection when administering epinephrine to victims suffering from a severe allergic reaction, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has updated patient instructions for the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. Specifically, these updated instructions, which were issued in February 2017, include the following recommendations:

• The amount of time for administration of epinephrine using an auto-injector should be reduced from 10 seconds to 3 seconds (or per manufacturer instructions)
• Rescuers should hold the victim's leg to limit movement during administration of epinephrine, especially in children