An EpiPen is a medical device that injects epinephrine into the body to treat life-threatening allergic reactions.

EpiPens are pre-filled automatic injection devices supplied with small vials containing liquid epinephrine. The liquid solution in the EpiPen is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle) at the first sign of a serious allergic reaction.

Epinephrine is also used to treat low blood pressure in adults (hypotension) and low blood pressure associated with septic shock (a life-threatening bodywide infection that can cause organ failure and dangerously low blood pressure). As a treatment for low blood pressure, epinephrine is administered intravenously by a health care professional in a hospital.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a powerful hormone that plays an important role in the body's fight-or-flight response. It is secreted by the adrenal glands and released into the bloodstream during stress or danger. Epinephrine helps to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration while diverting blood flow away from nonessential processes such as digestion. It also prepares muscles for action by increasing glucose production to provide energy for physical activity.

When administered promptly during an allergic reaction, epinephrine helps reduce the symptoms of anaphylaxis and prevents further complications from occurring. Epinephrine constricts blood vessels throughout the body, reducing inflammation and increasing oxygen supply to vital organs like the heart and lungs. It also decreases systemic inflammation, a key component of allergy-induced airway obstruction known as bronchoconstriction. In addition to its effects on respiratory function, epinephrine has been found to improve cardiovascular stability by increasing stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out with each heartbeat).

Before carrying an EpiPen, you should talk to your prescribing health care provider about the proper use of this medical device. An EpiPen administers epinephrine into the body through an injection under the skin or into the muscle on the outer thigh. You should not use an EpiPen intravenously, in the buttocks, hands, or feet.

An EpiPen will come with an autoinjector trainer. Practice with this device before using an EpiPen.

Apply the dosage that your doctor has prescribed if the use of an EpiPen is necessary. Do not reduce or increase the dosage. If serious allergic reaction symptoms persist after the first injection, use a second injection. If a third dose is needed, seek emergency medical care right away.

A severe allergic reaction is a potentially fatal medical emergency. An EpiPen reduces symptoms but should not replace emergency medical care. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after using an EpiPen.

An EpiPen is currently only available via prescription, which means a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medical device.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription or refill an existing one during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a nearby pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not you need an EpiPen prescription.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can prescribe an EpiPen to be picked up near you—often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online EpiPen prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

Booking an appointment with a doctor or nurse online is typically the fastest way to get a prescription! Sesame offers same-day online doctor prescription and prescription refill appointments with board-certified healthcare professionals. If deemed clinically necessary, Sesame providers can provide prescriptions and prescription refills for most non-controlled substances. They can also provide you with a doctor’s note if necessary.

Most online prescription and prescription refill appointments take around 15 minutes, and providers are able to send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice right after your appointment.

It is not legally possible to get prescription medications online without a doctor or nurse practitioner writing a prescription. You can see a doctor virtually - via telehealth - to write most scripts without seeing a doctor in person.

At Sesame, we make speaking with a doctor about writing a first time prescription or prescription refill easy, convenient, and inexpensive.

Speak with the doctor of your choosing in minutes. Pay a fair cash price for the consultation. If clinically appropriate, the doctor can write the script and have it sent to the local pharmacy of your choice within minutes.

Sesame even offers a discount card that can help you receive up to 85% off your prescriptions at your local pharmacy.

Yep! If you request a prescription transfer, you can easily move your prescription from one pharmacy to another. Plus, many pharmacies now offer mail services for home delivery. Here's how to request a prescription refill at a different pharmacy:

1) Call your new preferred pharmacy to request a transfer.

2) Provide that pharmacy with health insurance/ prescription info

3) Wait for the prescription to be transferred before you pick it up. It usually takes pharmacies a few days to transfer a prescription, but you will get a notification once this step has been completed. Either go pick up your prescription in person or set up home delivery.

If you need a prescription refill, book a visit with a real, quality doctor on Sesame today. Doctors on Sesame can refill prescriptions for high blood pressure, birth control, allergies, and more! Save up to 60% on your prescription refill visit when you book with Sesame.