Anaphylaxis (an-uh-fuh-lak-sis) is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical treatment. It can happen fast (sometimes within minutes), so having an epinephrine injection within reach is critical. While the possibility of a severe allergic reaction may be frightening, recognizing what is happening and knowing what to do may be what saves your life or your child’s life.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary by person and by cause but typically start between 5 and 30 minutes of coming into contact with the allergen. In some cases, it may take more than an hour for you to notice the symptoms. It is extremely important to treat a severe allergic reaction immediately. If not treated properly, anaphylaxis can be fatal.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically affect more than 1 part of the body and may include:
Anaphylaxis is triggered by exposure to an allergen. An allergen is a substance that is typically harmless but causes a reaction in people with an allergy. Causes of an anaphylactic reaction are different from person to person, but what happens is the same—the immune system overreacts to the allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
If you have a food allergy, your immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Symptoms can occur even if you have come in contact with a tiny amount of the food. Common food allergies:
While most people develop redness and swelling at the site of an insect bite or sting, people who are allergic to stinging insect venom are at a much greater risk of having a serious, life-threatening reaction. Understanding the difference and getting an accurate diagnosis is very important so you can properly manage your allergy and stay prepared should an emergency happen. Common insect allergies:
An allergic reaction to a medicine is not the same thing as having a side effect. While all medications have the potential to cause a side effect, only 5% to 10% of these reactions are due to an actual allergy to the medicine. It is important to take all medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes and to speak with him or her if you have a reaction that concerns you. And, as always, seek medical attention immediately if you begin to have severe symptoms of an allergic reaction. Common medicine allergies:
SYMJEPI is indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type 1) including anaphylaxis 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, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media) and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
Contraindications
None.
Warnings and Precautions
Adverse Reactions
SYMJEPI may cause serious side effects.
Common side effects of SYMJEPI include:
These side effects may go away with rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of SYMJEPI. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions
Please see full Prescribing Information for SYMJEPI.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at
References: 1. Anaphylaxis. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/anaphylaxis. Accessed October 14, 2020. 2. Symjepi [Prescribing Information]. San Diego, CA: Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2019. 3. Food allergy. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies. Accessed October 14, 2020. 4. Stinging insect allergy. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/stinging-insect-allergy. Accessed October 14, 2020. 5. Drug allergy. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/drug-allergy. Accessed October 14, 2020.
Warnings and Precautions