Food Allergy and Why Two Doses of Epinephrine May Be Necessary

A recent study reported in the Journal of Pediatrics determined the need for people with food allergies to carry multiple doses of epinephrine.The study followed 605 children (median age 5.8) to find out how many of them needed a second dose of life-saving medication after suffering a food related allergic reaction. Twelve percent of patients needed the second dose, causing the researchers to support the recommendation of carrying two doses of self-injectable epinephrine.

Now, 12% doesn't seem like a high number to me, but how are you to know if you or your child require that second dose? At this point my child carries one epi to school. A second one is in the nurse's office. When traveling, we carry multiple epis and there are several in our house.

For those interested in two dose medications, Twinject® offers a back-up dose. Their site suggests that 20% of reactions require a second dose. Since both doses are in one pen, the Twinject can be used in a single with carrying pouch. Our allergist has always prescribed the Epi Pen®, but I plan to discuss other options.

It's on the list...

What brand of epi do you use? How many pens do you have?

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Allergy Medication: The EpiKey

Epipens® and Twinjects® are a wonderful medical device that save lives of those experiencing an anaphylactic reaction due to food, insect sting or latex allergy. I also find them to be bulky and I worry about my child carrying the medicine as a teen and young adult. It turns out someone else was worried about that too. TCB Medical Devices has developed the EpiKey, a small epinephrine device that fits on a key chain.

The EpiKey was created by Thomas C. Beller, MD., an allergist in South Carolina. Dr. Beller hopes this device will save lives with its small size and ease of use. It's on a fast-track for FDA approval.


I'll keep you posted.

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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!

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