Free EpiPens for Schools

EpiPens for Schools

This spring I wrote that our school buildings now have stock epinephrine available for anyone who experiences an anaphylactic reaction.

Great news!

I received news today that schools can apply for free EpiPens through the EpiPen4Schools program.

Even better!

I just sent the information to our school nurse (the forms need to be completed and sent by the school nurse) and would encourage you to do the same. The nurse also must sign off agreeing that the school will "make best efforts to provide appropriate product training to any School personnel who may
administer an EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector".  Interested school representatives can also call 1-973-845-7600 to speak with a representative about the program.

I do applaud Mylan and BioRidge Pharma for making this program available to schools.

Is your child's school training staff and making epinephrine available for anyone who may need it?

Food Allergy and EpiPens

So, a new study shows that an increased number of us are accidentally poking ourselves with epinephrine auto-injectors. Well, at least teenagers are. The study, with data from 1994-2007, didn't give information about the circumstances of these accidents.

I suspect that as more people carry and use auto-injectors, we'll see more accidents.

The recommendation is improved design of the auto-injector and better training. EpiPen® has a new design. Have you seen it yet? It does seem to be easier to hold. When this new one expires, I'll try it out in an orange- taking great care not to inject myself!