Generic Epi Injectors for Allergic Reactions

 There is growing concern among those in the food allergy community about the rising number of epinephrine auto-injectors coming into the market. Now, you may remember that I expressed much excitement when Auvi-Q joined EpiPen as another option for people requiring an epi-injector. I liked the idea of choice and competition. I'm not going back on that, but with two more units ready to hit store shelves, we need to make sure that parents, teachers, school nurses, coaches and others are educated about what an epi-injector looks like and how to use it.

 To start, I'd like to direct you to a well-written post over at Kids With Food Allergies. "Important News about Epinephrine Auto Injectors", written by Dr. Angela Nace, of Jefferson University School of Pharmacy, clearly outlines the differences between the types of auto-injectors that will be available. I particularly appreciate the easy-to-read chart included in the report.

  
After you've digested the information by Dr. Nace, there are a few other things to consider:

• which epinephrine injector works best for your family?
• will you have more than one type of injector on hand?
• what are the out-of-pocket costs associated with each type?
• how will you make sure that care-takers are aware of the different types and how to use them?

One other thing to think about is that with the availability of a generic epi-injector, doctors and pharmacies may be obliged to give out the generic, depending upon insurance or the way the prescription is written. Be clear with the doctor and pharmacy about the type of epinephrine auto-injector you want.

Angela Nace is Field Coordinator for Experiential Education, Department of Pharmacy Practice, at Jefferson University School of Pharmacy. - See more at: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/available-epinephrine-auto-injectors-new-generic#sthash.Q0OaWZpA.dpuf

Angela Nace is Field Coordinator for Experiential Education, Department of Pharmacy Practice, at Jefferson University School of Pharmacy. - See more at: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/available-epinephrine-auto-injectors-new-generic#sthash.Q0OaWZpA.dpufAngela

Angela Nace is Field Coordinator for Experiential Education, Department of Pharmacy Practice, at Jefferson University School of Pharmacy. - See more at: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/available-epinephrine-auto-injectors-new-generic#sthash.Q0OaWZpA.dpuf

Angela Nace is Field Coordinator for Experiential Education, Department of Pharmacy Practice, at Jefferson University School of Pharmacy. - See more at: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/available-epinephrine-auto-injectors-new-generic#sthash.Q0OaWZpA.dpuf

Angela Nace is Field Coordinator for Experiential Education, Department of Pharmacy Practice, at Jefferson University School of Pharmacy. - See more at: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/available-epinephrine-auto-injectors-new-generic#sthash.Q0OaWZpA.dpuf

Auvi-Q Carriers

Auvi-Q Holders

I've been on the look-out for Auvi-Q carriers to make self-carrying easier. Auvi-Q offers a great shape for adults- fits in most handbags for women and in most pockets in menswear. However, active kids often need something on their person that will stay put. Here's what I've found so far:

• Allergy Apparel offers a variety of pouches. They come with a carabiner clip to attach to a belt loop or backpack. Two sizes are available for carrying one Auvi-Q or two. There is also an expandable Youth EpiBelt that accommodates Auvi-Q or EpiPen.   
• KoziEpi has pouches and belts to hold one or two Auvi-Q devices. 
• EpiCarriers offers a Leg Buddy Holster and a Waist Buddy that holds Auvi-Q or EpiPen. 

  

  Epi Carriers

Has anyone found an Auvi-Q carrier they prefer? Please share!

Food Allergy Reactions on Valentine's Day

Candy Heart Molds

A recent survey sponsored by Mylan Specialty indicated that as many as one in three parents report their children with life-threatening allergies have experienced anaphylaxis on Valentine’s Day. This scary statistic underlines the importance of talking to kids before this Thursday's holiday.

Pre-School and Elementary-Age Children- Parents should talk to teachers and staff early this week about special events planned to celebrate Valentine's Day. From classroom parties and crafts, to food sent in for school parties, peanuts, tree nuts, chocolate and baked goods may be prominently featured. Remind young children about your food allergy rules (no eating anything unless it's been approved, checking with a safe adult if unsure, etc.) and make sure they are aware that Valentine's Day may mean that things are different at school this Thursday. Consider role-playing as a way to help them feel comfortable dealing with specific situations.

Teens and Young Adults- While classroom parties may be less of an issue at the middle school and high school levels, there are important reminders for this group too. Sometimes friends exchange Valentine treats and it may be tempting for a young person to "try a bit". This age group is particularly susceptible to food allergy emergencies because they want to fit in...they don't want to feel different. Again, talk to them before Thursday about your food allergy rules (no eating anything unless the label has been checked, carrying their medicine at all times, etc.). 

Food allergy reactions have been linked to kissing, so if you haven't had THE CONVERSATION yet, talking to your teen about dating and kissing near Valentine's Day may be appropriate.

Heart-Shaped Cake Pan

A little planning (and talking) early this week will help you and your family enjoy a safe Valentine's Day this Thursday.

Is your child's school still celebrating Valentine's Day with traditional parties and treats?

Best Advice From an Allergist and Immunologist Specialist

Epinephrine

"Use epinephrine early and often," was the message from Dr. John Oppenheimer, an allergist and immunologist from UMDNJ. I recently had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Oppenheimer speak and I was struck by a story he shared. He told us that his wife asked him why he often shouts into the phone, "Use it! Use it now!" That's the urgent plea from Dr. Oppenheimer when a parent or school nurse calls his on-call service wondering if they should use an epinephrine auto-injector for someone they suspect may be having an allergic reaction.  

"Use it" means "administer epinephrine now".

I've been there. When my child has said, "My mouth feels itchy", or "I'm getting a hive on my lip," I've grabbed the bottle of Benadryl in one hand and the epinephrine in the other and watched closely. Who wants to stick a needle in a child and call an ambulance unless it's absolutely necessary?

According to Dr. Oppenheimer, use of epinephrine early in the anaphylaxis state may diminish the effect of late-stage anaphylaxis. He said that anaphylaxis is under-diagnosed and under-treated and he made it clear that the first line of defense is epinephrine, not an antihistamine, when an anaphylactic reaction is starting.

He shared that the triggers for anaphylaxis are Food (33% of the time), Unknown (25%), Insect (19%), Medications (14%), Other (9%, includes cat dander, latex, cleaning agents, etc.). 

For me, Dr. Oppenheimer's talk was another good reminder. One quarter of the time, an anaphylactic reaction has an unknown cause. An antihistamine is not effective at halting anaphylaxis. While no one wants to use an epinephrine injector, it is our best defense against anaphylaxis.

It is comforting to be able to reach an on-call doc in a moment of uncertainty and panic. Call your doctor if you have the time. If not, talk to your doctor now, so you have a plan in place if an anaphylactic reaction occurs. 

In Case You Missed It: September Food Allergy Blog Carnival

When I started this blog nearly five years ago, there weren't many of us writing about our food allergy experiences. I am now honored to be among the company of so many talented and knowledgeable bloggers. 

In case you missed the most recent Food Allergy Blog Carnival, head on over to the site of our September host, Grateful Foodie, and read up on what's happening in the food allergy world. Everything from recipes to the latest information on Auvi-Q to dating with food allergies can be found among the many and varied articles. 

Great work y'all!

Epinephrine in Credit Card Sized Case

It's here!!!! I've had my eye on this new product for awhile and finally FDA approval has been announced. Auvi-Q™ offers people who carry epinephrine a new device style. This compact epinephrine auto-injector is credit card sized and the thickness of a smartphone. It easily fits into a pocket (great for boys!) or small purse.

A cool feature I wasn't expecting is that this new device offers audio cues.

Yup, it talks to you!

When the device is pulled from the carrying case, a calm female voice walks the user through all the steps of the injection process. What a great help for babysitters, teachers, grandparents and others who may be unfamiliar with (and nervous about) using an auto-injector for anaphylaxis.

Oh, and the injector only stays in the outer thigh for five seconds (which the calm voice will count down calmly), rather than 10 seconds like the traditional EpiPen. Five seconds may not seem like much of a difference, but every second feels like forever when you're in the midst of an anphylactic reaction.

I'll be checking with my insurance company to see if they cover the new device and with my pharmacy to see if they carry it. Let me know if you're able to get it.

Read all about Sanofi's release of Auvi-Q (and check out a demo) here.