What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Epipen (Epinephrine)
Prescription Required
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Related Products & Conditions
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Product Details
Description
EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are used to emergently treat Type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
EpiPen is supplied as a single-dose prefilled auto-injector containing 0.3 mg/0.3 mL.
EpiPen Jr is supplied as a single-dose prefilled auto-injector containing 0.15 mg/0.3 mL.
Fact Table
Formula
C9H13NO3
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
very low oral bioavailability
Legal status
Rx-Only
Chemical Name
Epinephrine
Elimination half-life
2 minutes
Dosage (Strength)
JR 0.15mg (1:2000), 0.3mg (1:1000)
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Brands
EpiPen
Protein binding
15–20%
PubChem CID
5816
MedlinePlus
a603002
ChEBI
28918
ATC code
A01AD01
DrugBank
DB00668
KEGG
D00095
Routes of administration
IV, IM
Directions
Carefully read the information that is supplied with your prescription. Follow the instructions that come with your EpiPen or EpiPen Jr prescription. Reach out to your doctor or pharmacist with any questions or concerns you have.
For patients who weigh at least 30 kg (66 pounds): Inject EpiPen 0.3 mg into the muscle or under the skin of the thigh as directed by your doctor. It can be injected through clothing if needed.
For patients who weigh 15 to 30 kg (33 to 66 pounds): Inject EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg into the muscle or under the skin of the thigh as directed by your doctor. It can be injected through clothing if needed.
Ingredients
Epinephrine is the active ingredient in EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. Inactive ingredients include sodium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid, and water.
Contraindications
No known contraindications.
Cautions
- Seek emergency care with the use of EpiPen or EpiPen Jr.
- Do not inject EpiPen or EpiPen Jr into a vein or into the buttock, fingers, toes, hands, or feet.
- If administering to a young child, firmly hold the child's leg in place to minimize movement before and during injection. This can reduce the risk of injection-related injury.
- Caution should be used in patients with heart disease as epinephrine may aggravate chest pain or cause heart arrhythmias.
- Rarely, skin and soft tissue infections can occur with the use of epinephrine injection. You should seek medical care right away if you experience signs or symptoms of an infection.
Side Effects
Side effects may occur with EpiPen or EpiPen Jr, including anxiety, restlessness, apprehensiveness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, headache, breathing trouble, or pale skin.
Reference:
- EpiPen; EpiPen Jr. Columbia, MD: Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc.; 2020.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 1959
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