Why are we so hesitant to use epinephrine?
I don’t know anyone who analyzes the severity of a headache before taking medicine for it. Same goes for seasonal allergies, upset stomach, and back pain, none of which (without other major symptoms) cause death. So then why have we been making it so difficult to determine when to take epinephrine?
I’ll point my finger at three reasons: Fear, Inaccurate Information, and Doubt
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| Choose Epinephrine – www.easybreezylife.com |
Fear
We’re scared to use a needle. The only difference between how antihistamine is administered and how epinephrine is administered is that one can be swallowed and one needs to be injected. I frequently hear of stories where antihistamine (Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec) was used in an attempt to help with anaphylaxis. This needs to stop. Antihistamine WILL NOT reverse the effects of anaphylaxis.
Inaccurate Information
We’ve been told to look for two symptoms. We’ve been told to use other medications. We’ve been told many different things from doctors, nurses, and others about what to look for to determine if epinephrine is needed and if anaphylaxis is occurring. Many of us have also been told to react differently by different allergists and are now even more confused than before. The line of ‘when to use epinephrine’ has become so fuzzy that it is now working against us.
Doubt
Fear and inaccurate information can cause doubt. This is the voice inside your head that questions your choices. It causes lack of confidence in the situation and poor decision making.
We need to overcome our fears, obtain updated allergy action plans, be prepared, and have confidence!
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan is provided by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). It tells us to inject epinephrine for ANY of the following severe symptoms*:
- LUNG – short of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough
- HEART – pale, blue, faint, weak pulse, dizzy
- THROAT – tight, hoarse, trouble breathing/swallowing
- MOUTH – significant swelling of tongue and/or lips
- SKIN – many hives over body, widespread redness
- GUT – repetitive vomiting or severe diarrhea
- OTHER – feeling something bad is about to happen, anxiety, confusion
- or a combination of mild or severe symptoms from different body areas.
- When in doubt, give epinephrine.
*Please click on link above to get all of the information provided by FARE in regards to when to use epinephrine. I also strongly urge you to print this emergency care plan and post it in your kitchen where it is frequently seen and read.
Watch tutorials and role-play with your trainer device.
How To Use an EpiPen®
Show this great video to everyone involved with the care of your child.
- Have your allergist complete the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Action Plan and commit it to memory.
- Understand the possibility of fear and doubt happening during a severe reaction so that you can recognize this feeling and quickly overcome it during a reaction.
- Stop using antihistamines to prevent or reverse anaphylaxis.
- Stay up-to-date on all allergy and anaphylaxis material.
- Train all care providers.
I can only hope that by not fearing the needle and by having accurate up-to-date information that deaths from anaphylaxis will drop. One is too many. Please do your part in educating those around you by sharing the Emergency Care Plan by FARE that is posted above, by watching the How To Use an EpiPen® video, and by sharing the tips provided. Also forward this information by email, Facebook, and/or twitter by selecting the correct button below or by copying and pasting this link.
And don’t forget! Choose Epinephrine!
Follow me on Facebook , Twitter ,and Pinterest
Elizabeth DiBurro
Easy Breezy Life
EBL Food Allergies
Many of these topics were discussed at the Mylan Specialty Blogger Summit. The summit, held at The Strand Hotel in New York City, was a two-day educational seminar including some of the top food allergy & anaphylaxis bloggers, cook book authors, social media experts, doctors, and people from FARE, AAFA, AANMA, NASN, and KFA.
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| Mylan Blogger Summit – Photo by Noel Malcolm Back row, from left: Keeley McGuire, Liana Burns of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Jenny Sprague, Cybele Pascal, Lindsey Steffensen, Elizabeth DiBurro, Tracy Bush Middle row, from left: Libby Ilson, Siobhan Cavanaugh of Mylan Specialty L.P., Kelly Rudnicki, Judy Morgitan of National Association of School Nurses, Dr. Ruchi Gupta, Lynda Mitchell of Kids With Food Allergies Foundation, Tonya Winders of Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, George Dahlman of Food Allergy Research & Education Front row, from left: Joanne LaSpina, Ruth LovettSmith, Lauren Kashtan of Mylan Specialty L.P., Lisa Rutter, Sloane Miller, Heidi Bayer, Caroline Moassessi |
This Importance of Carrying Two EpiPens – I accidentally injected myself with EpiPen
What is Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine? – What happens inside the body during an anaphylactic reaction.
My Thought During an Anaphylactic Reaction – What was I thinking and how did it affect the outcome?
Get up to $100 off EpiPen 2-pak – Get the latest coupon!
–I disclose in any communication made by me about EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector and/or the Mylan Specialty Blogger Summit that such communication is at my own discretion and based on my own opinion. I also disclose that my travel expenses were compensated by Mylan Specialty in exchange for evaluation and feedback on information presented during the meeting.
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.
Important Safety Information
EpiPen 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.
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.
Important Safety Information
EpiPen 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.
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