Consider Body Weight When Using an Epinephrine Injector

EpiPen Injector

When a person experiences anaphylaxis, a life threatening reaction to foods, bees, latex or other causes, the best course of action is to administer epinephrine quickly and effectively. Typically, this means using an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen or Auvi-Q) and injecting into the side of the upper leg.

A recent study conducted in the U.K. found that the injection site may vary depending upon body weight. Using ultrasound to take skin surface to muscle depth measurements, researchers found that higher weight and waist circumference were linked to a skin surface to muscle depth measurement greater than the length of the auto-injector needle. This means the epinephrine was not getting into the muscle where it would be more rapidly absorbed.

The study concluded that it may be beneficial to inject further down the leg where skin surface to muscle depth surpassed the length of the auto-injector needle for a majority of kids. 

Auvi-Q Auto Injector

Talk to your doctor (and share the press release, Injecting Epinephrine into the Lower Rather Than Upper Thigh May Be More Effective in Overweight Children) if you have concerns about weight and the effectiveness of an epinephrine injector. Make sure that the prescribed auto-injector user and all caregivers are aware of the best place to administer the injection to maximize the benefits of the medication.

Food Allergy Show on Lifetime Televisions's Balancing Act

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Sept. 21, The Balancing Act, on Lifetime will feature a show on food allergies. The show airs from 7-8 am ET/PT. Set your TiVo, your DVR, or plan to grab a cup of coffee to watch it live. The program will feature Leandro de Armas, this year's Heart of FAAN Child Ambassador, and an interview with a father who lost his son as the result of a fatal food allergy reaction. FAAN’s Vice President of Research and General Counsel, Maria Acebal, will also speak. A demonstration of how to use an epinephrine auto-injector is part of the presentation.

This show is a great opportunity to inform and educate grandparents, friends and others about food allergy. Spread the word!