Treatment FAQ

what epipen is used for lupus treatment

by Heaven Mayer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is EpiPen used to treat?

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What is the best medicine for lupus?

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr contain epinephrine, a medicine used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis can be life threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise, or unknown causes.

How do you use a single dose EpiPen?

They’re the most common treatment for typical lupus symptoms like fever and joint pain. You can get some NSAIDs over the counter (without a prescription), but you need a prescription for others. In addition to treating pain and inflammation, aspirin can also help prevent blood clots.

What are the ingredients in EpiPen?

Inject the single-dose EpiPen or EpiPen Jr intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Do not inject intravenously, and do not inject into buttocks, into digits, hands or feet [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

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What injection is used for lupus?

BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine, given intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA IV is approved in children aged 5 years and older with SLE on other lupus medicines.

What drugs are typically prescribed to treat lupus?

Because lupus can cause a lot of different health problems, there are many different kinds of medicines that can treat it....The most common immunosuppressives for lupus include:Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®)Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept®)Azathioprine (Imuran®)Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®)Voclosporin (Lupkynis™)

What is the best medication for lupus erythematosus?

Most lupus patients are treated with hydroxychloroquine [Plaquenil], which is a fairly benign drug. It's not a super potent drug but it does a pretty good job of controlling disease activity in many patients,” she says.

Does Xolair help lupus?

Very early research of omalizumab (known as Xolair®), currently used for the treatment of asthma, shows the drug was well tolerated in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and associated with improvement in disease activity.

What is the newest treatment for lupus?

AstraZeneca's Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) has been approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy.

What is first line treatment for lupus?

Hydroxychloroquine is first-line treatment unless contraindicated and is useful in almost all manifestations of lupus. Other treatments are titrated against type and severity of organ involvement. Monoclonal antibodies have a limited role in the management of lupus.

What foods trigger lupus flare ups?

Alfalfa and garlic are two foods that probably shouldn't be on your dinner plate if you have lupus. Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine. Garlic contains allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, which can send your immune system into overdrive and flare up your lupus symptoms.

What causes lupus flare ups?

Lupus flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infection, or missed doses of medication. To prevent a lupus flare, focus on your medication schedule, self-care, and sun protection. Hydroxychloroquine is the best medication to help prevent lupus flares.

Do antihistamines help lupus?

The use of antihistamines, decongestants and steroids for seasonal allergies generally pose no problems for those with lupus.

Does lupus cause high IgE?

Elevated serum IgE concentrations have sometimes been found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Reasons for these findings and associations with clinical and autoantibody phenotype remain controversial.

Does lupus cause asthma?

Asthma and COPD are More Common in Lupus and Tied to Worse Outcomes. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), two chronic respiratory conditions, are found to be significantly more common among people with lupus compared to the general population.

How is omalizumab made?

Omalizumab is produced in suspension cell culture using a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. Xolair is a powder and solvent for injection to be administered by subcutaneous injection and is presented in two strengths: 75 and 150 mg of omalizumab.

How to use Epipen?

Use EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. It is given as a shot into a muscle or into the fatty part of the skin. Be sure you know how to use before an emergency happens.

How to give an epipen to a child?

If giving EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe) to your child, hold the leg still to prevent injury. Try to limit how much your child moves before and during an injection. Get medical help right away after using EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe). Put back in the storage case.

Can you take Epipen with a prefilled syringe?

You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Can Epipen cause redness?

Rarely, infections have happened where EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe) was given. Sometimes, these infections can be very bad. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of an infection like redness that does not go away, warmth, swelling, or tenderness. EpiPen side effects (more detail)

Can you give an epipen into your hands?

This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Do not give into the fingers, hands, or feet. Doing so may lead to lower blood flow in these areas.

Can you take Epipen with diabetes?

Some products have sulfites. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely. If you are 65 or older , use EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe) with care. You could have more side effects.

Can someone else give you an epipen?

Someone else may have to give EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe). Be sure others know where EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector and prefilled syringe) is stored and how to give it if needed. Never put your fingers or hand over the tip. Do not take off safety release until ready to use.

What is the use of Epipen?

Indications and Usage for EpiPen. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphyla xis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants) and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitoes), allergen immunotherapy , foods, drugs, ...

How much epinephrine is in an Epipen Jr?

The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr each contain 2 mL epinephrine solution. Approximately 1.7 mL remains in the auto-injector after activation, but is not available for future use, and should be discarded.

Why is epinephrine pink?

Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Replace EpiPen and EpiPen Jr if the epinephrine solution appears discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles.

How much does an Epipen Jr weigh?

The EpiPen Auto-Injector (0.3 mg) is for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more (30 kilograms or more). The EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector (0.15 mg) is for patients who weigh about 33 to 66 pounds (15 to 30 kilograms).

How many times can you use an Epipen trainer?

The Trainer may be used multiple times. A Trainer device is provided in 2-Pak cartons.

What color is the Epipen trainer?

•#N#The EpiPen Auto-Injector has a yellow colored label.#N#•#N#The EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector has a green colored label.#N#•#N#The EpiPen Trainer has a grey color and contains no medicine and no needle.#N#•#N#Your auto-injector is designed to work through clothing.#N#•#N#The blue safety release on the EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector helps to prevent accidental injection of the device. Do not remove the blue safety release until you are ready to use it.#N#•#N#Warning: Do not flip the blue safety release off using a thumb or by pulling it sideways, or by bending and twisting the blue safety release. This may cause the device to activate by accident: a “click” is heard, the orange tip is extended, and the window is blocked. A device that has been activated by accident cannot be used for a patient in an emergency. If this happens, replace it with a new EpiPen or EpiPen Jr.#N#•#N#When receiving an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector and before you need to use the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, remove the auto-injector from the carrier tube and check the auto-injector to make sure the blue safety release is not raised (see Figure 1 in the Instructions for Use). If the blue safety release is raised, the auto-injector should not be used because the device could activate by accident. Do not try to push the blue safety release back down. Put the auto-injector back in the carrier tube and replace it with a new EpiPen or EpiPen Jr.#N#•#N#Choking hazard: The blue safety release is a small part that may become a choking hazard for children. Throw away the blue safety release immediately after using EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector.#N#•#N#Only inject into the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg). Never inject into any other part of the body.#N#•#N#Never put your thumb, fingers, or your hand over the orange tip. The needle comes out of the orange tip.#N#•#N#If an accidental injection happens, get emergency medical help right away.#N#•#N#Do not place patient information or any other foreign objects in the carrier tube with the Auto-Injector, as this may prevent you from removing the Auto-Injector for use.

Where to inject Epipen Jr?

Instruct patients and/or caregivers in the appropriate use of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. EpiPen should be injected into the middle of the outer thigh (through clothing, if necessary). Each device is a single-use injection. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care in conjunction with administration of EpiPen.

What is the best medicine for lupus?

Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following: Hydroxychloroquine: an antimalarial drug that is effective for treating lupus-related arthritis and rashes. It reduces flares by 50 percent and may also help prevent blood clots.

How to treat lupus?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage your lupus symptoms. Here are a few easy ways to take care of yourself: 1 Eat a heart-healthy diet. 2 Maintain a healthy weight. 3 Exercise several times a week. 4 Reduce your sun exposure by staying out of the sun as much as possible, wearing clothes that cover your skin and using sunscreen of SPF 100. 5 See your doctor for infections. 6 Don’t smoke.

What are some medications that help with kidney lupus?

Antibiotics for infections. Antihypertensive drugs for high blood pressure. Statins for high cholesterol. Drugs for osteoporosis. Vitamin D to help improve kidney lupus.

What to do if you have lupus?

It’s also important to have regular exams and lab tests to track your lupus and adjust your treatment as needed.

What is the best treatment for lupus?

Steroids Synthetic cortisone medications are some of the most effective treatments for reducing the swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness associated with the inflammation of lupus. Cortisone usually works quickly to relieve these symptoms.

What is immunosuppressive medicine?

Immunosuppressive Medications Immunosuppressives are medications that help suppress the immune system. Many were originally used in patients who received organ transplants to help prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplanted organ.

Can you take NSAIDs with Lupus?

NSAIDs are milder than many other lupus drugs and may be taken either alone to treat a mild flare or in combination with other medication s. Anti-Malarial Drugs Plaquenil and other anti-malarials are the key to controlling lupus long term, and some lupus patients may be on Plaquenil for the rest of their lives.

How long to hold epinephrine injection?

Push until it clicks. Be sure to hold the auto-injector in place for at least 3 seconds before you remove it from the child’s thigh. Carefully massage the injection area for about 10 seconds.

Where to give epinephrine injection?

The injection is quick and is given in the upper part of your thigh. Both you and those close to you should also be able to identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis and know how to properly administer an epinephrine auto-injector. Recognizing anaphylaxis and promptly giving an epinephrine injection can save lives.

What is an epinephrine auto injector?

An epinephrine auto-injector is a way to deliver medication quickly and effectively to someone who’s experiencing anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life threatening consequence of an allergic reaction. You may also see auto-injectors referred to as adrenaline auto-injectors.

How to administer epinephrine to a child?

Follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a child: Remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube. Form a fist, gripping the auto-injector in your dominant hand so the orange tip points downward. Make sure your fingers aren’t covering either end.

What is the best medication for allergies?

Antihistamine medications , such as diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), can be used to either prevent or ease allergy symptoms. It’s appropriate to use these medications to relieve mild allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and hives.

Can you use an epinephrine auto injector on a child?

Don’t use an epinephrine auto-injector on a child if the blue safety release is raised or if the auto-injector doesn’t slide out of its carrying case easily. instead. Follow the steps below to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a child: Remove the auto-injector from its clear carrier tube.

Can antihistamines be used for anaphylaxis?

However, never use antihistamines alone to treat anaphylaxis. Not only do they not act as quickly as epinephrine, but they also can’t effectively prevent or reduce some of the more serious effects of anaphylaxis, such as airway obstruction and low blood pressure. Trusted Source.

What is the best treatment for lupus?

Synthetic cortisone medications are some of the most effective treatments for reducing the swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness associated with the inflammation of lupus. Cortisone usually works quickly to relieve these symptoms.

How to treat lupus with steroid?

For these reasons, it is absolutely essential that you not increase your calorie intake and follow a low sodium, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet. You do not need to cut out all of the foods you love, but concentrate on eating whole grain breads and cereals and lean sources of protein such as chicken and fish. * When you need a snack, look to vegetables—they are low in sugar and calories and provide the perfect food for “grazing.” Try to eat them without Ranch dressing or vegetable dip, because these items carry lots of fat and calories. If you need something to accompany your vegetables, try lighter dips like hummus. It is also important that you minimize alcohol intake when taking steroid medications, since steroids may already irritate your stomach. In fact, it is best not to drink alcohol at all, because combining alcohol with certain lupus medications can be very harmful to your liver.

What is the best medication for swelling?

One of these steroids, cortisone, is a close relative of cortisol, which the adrenal glands in your body make as a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. Synthetic cortisone medications are some of the most effective treatments for reducing the swelling, ...

Can cortisone cause lupus?

However, cortisone can also cause many unwelcome side effects, so it is usually prescribed only when other medications—specifically NSAIDs and anti-malarials—are not sufficient enough to control lupus.

Do steroids help with lupus?

However, it is important to remember that steroids make up a large group of molecules with different functions, and the steroids given to treat lupus—specifically, corticosteroids—are different than those you may hear about on the news.

What Are Biologics?

Biologics are a type of treatment new to the market over the last few decades. These drugs are genetically engineered proteins based on the body’s natural proteins and use live systems to manufacture them. Biologics target specific areas of the immune system that cause inflammation.

How Biologics Can Be Used to Treat Lupus

So far, the only approved biologic to treat lupus is Benlysta. Benlysta is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-cell survival. It is used to treat lupus patients who have autoantibodies (antibodies that attack the body). It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 9, 2011. 3

Benefits and Risks of Biologics for Lupus

When used in addition to traditional lupus therapies, Benlysta has shown to be safe and effective at helping decrease symptoms of lupus without increasing side effects. 5 It can even help lupus patients use fewer steroids like prednisone. These corticosteroids can lead to bone loss and organ damage when used for a long time.

Treatment Procedures of Benlysta for Lupus

There are two ways to take Benlysta. You can get it as an infusion through a vein at a clinic, or you can use a self-injecting device to administer the dose at home. 38

Summary

Benlysta is a biologic drug approved for use in lupus. It is given by infusion or injection. Many other biologic drugs approved for other conditions or in development are being studied in clinical trials to see if they are effective and safe for use in lupus.

A Word From Verywell

Lupus can be a difficult disease to manage. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of using biologics to treat your lupus. Many people find relief using Benlysta, though there are side effects. Your doctor may suggest you enroll in a clinical trial of other biologics being developed and tested.

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