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Why is it called an Epipen?
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The name comes from the Greek word epi, meaning “over” and the Latin word penna, which means “pen”. In other words, the Epipen is an “over-pen”. The Epipen is used to treat severe allergic reactions. It delivers a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), which is an important hormone in the body that helps to dilate blood vessels and increase heart rate. This allows the blood vessels to better distribute oxygen throughout the body, which helps to reverse anaphylactic shock.