After using an epinephrine auto-injector, what is the next recommended action to aid absorption?

• A. Store the device in your pocket and continue monitoring
• B. Call emergency services only
• C. Rub injection site for 30 seconds to help absorption
• D. Remove the auto-injector and discard it

Answer: (C)

After giving epinephrine with the auto-injector, massage the injection area to help absorption. Rubbing the site increases local blood flow and helps spread the medication into the surrounding tissue, which speeds its entry into the bloodstream. While you should call emergency services and monitor the person, this massage step specifically enhances how quickly and effectively the drug is absorbed. Options that don’t address the injection site, or that remove or discard the device, don’t aid absorption and aren’t appropriate in this moment.