Autoinjector
From Free net encyclopedia
An autoinjector is a medical device designed to deliver a single dose of a particular (typically life-saving) drug.
Most autoinjectors are spring-loaded syringes. By design, autoinjectors are easy to use and are intended for self-administration by patients. The site of injection depends on the drug loaded, but it typically is administered into the thigh or the buttocks. The injectors were initially designed to overcome the hesitation associated with self-administration of needle-based drugs.
Examples of such autoinjectors are EpiPens or the recently introduced Twinject, which is often prescribed to persons who are at risk for anaphylaxis. Another example of an autoinjector is the Rebiject and Rebiject II autoinjectors for Rebif, the drug for interferon beta-1a used to treat Multiple Sclerosis.
Autoinjectors are often used in the military to protect personnel from chemical warfare agents. In the United States Military, atropine and 2-PAM-Cl (pralidoxime chloride) are used for first aid against nerve agents. In the US military Mark I kits, these drugs are included in separate autoinjectors. A newer autoinjector, the ATNAA (Antidote Treatment Nerve Agent Auto-Injector), has both drugs in one syringe, allowing for the simplification of administration procedures. In the Gulf War, accidental and unnecessary use of atropine autoinjectors supplied to Israeli civilians proved to be a major medical problem. Additionally, diazepam (Valium) autoinjectors are carried by designated medics for use in patients who suffer seizures due to nerve agent exposure.