When is it time for your child to be responsible for carrying their own epinephrine device?
The time is now. I’ll explain why…
EpiPen® |
I carry two epinephrine devices in my purse at all times. We also have two devices on our emergency action plan board in our kitchen, which also stay there all of the time. Having four devices has made it very easy for us to always have accessible epinephrine at all times…until today.
Today, my husband took the boys out by himself. This rarely happens and when it does my purse does not go along with the group. Want to take a guess as to what happened? You got it, no epinephrine was carried along with our son…our son with a known severe anaphylactic allergy to dairy (and many other allergies listed here).
I called my husband and he drove back home to pick up the epinephrine. There was no reaction and all was perfectly fine. However, it was very apparent that something needed to change. There is no habit of grabbing the EpiPen® because my husband does not take our kids out alone very often. He was used to me always being there and with me comes my purse…and with my purse comes the epinephrine.
It’s time for a change! I realized that it’s not my husband’s fault for not remembering. It is, however, time for our son to be the one responsible for remembering! He is five years old and perfectly capable and responsible to be in charge of his epinephrine. I will still carry two devices in my purse however our son will also start carrying every single time he leaves our house. If it becomes a habit now, it will hopefully remain a habit in the future.
EpiPen Carrying Case Make it easy to remember by hanging your epinephrine on a hook with your car keys by the door. Remember every time. |
At what age did you make your child responsible for his/her own epinephrine? What did you do to create good epinephrine carrying habits? Do you have a carrying case that you love? Please share your information with us!
EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEIN, BUTTOCK, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you take the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr. Auto Injector.
The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest.
Talk to your healthcare professional to see if EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is right for you.
Indications
EpiPen® (epinephrine) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Kendra says
My son made the transition very easy for us! His EpiPen was kept in a pencil case which was attached to my keys with a carabiner. That way I could never forget it since I always grabbed my keys when I left. He started asking to carry the EpiPen when he was 2. That made me a bit nervous, but I did let him hold it while he sat in the grocery cart. Then I let him hold the carabiner as we walked to and from the car, with me holding his other hand.
At 4 years old, we got a little waist pack that we let him wear during outings. That allowed him to feel important, but I could still watch him closely. It took me an entire school year, but we finally got approval for him to self-carry at school when he was 4 1/2. We added a plastic tamper-evident lock to keep kids from getting into it. An adult with typical hand strength can break the lock easily, but a child would have to use scissors.
My son is now 8 years old. I can count on two hands the number of times that he has forgotten his EpiPen at home since he first started carrying it at school. We keep an extra twin-pack and other emergency medications in the school nurse's office, just in case. When I notice that it's been forgotten, I call to notify the teacher and nurse so they will know to grab the back up in an emergency. I also keep a twin-pack in my purse.
itchylittleworld.com says
Excellent point! My little guy is turning five and I suppose he should have to step up as well. Right now we have his epis in his little backpack that we take everywhere, but he's not really responsible for remembering it or carry it. Something to think about. Thanks!