How much does an EpiPen hurt?
Well, I'm the one to ask, because last week I gave myself one. I was demonstrating its use to some other staff, and somehow an expired pen had been mixed up with the trainers, which I had picked up to use. I pulled off the grey cap, pushed the black end toward my thigh with mild force, heard the click, then said "Whoops. That's not a trainer." and pulled it out.
(It had no effect because it was a juniour dose, expired, and I didn't keep the needle in for the requisite 10 seconds)
It hurts a bit. Once the needle is in, you don't really feel it, as long as you are still. The bruise I got was tiny, and I bruise really easily. My biggest piece of advice, if you ever have to give one - and I really really hope you don't! - is this:
1) it hurts less if you stay still - tell the patient this.
2) rub like crazy after you take it out, because it really helps.
3) don't bother pulling pants down, unless they are like ski pants or something, because it went so easily through mine.
Just a little story I thought I would share with you interested parties!
