Auvi-Q Carriers

Auvi-Q Holders

I've been on the look-out for Auvi-Q carriers to make self-carrying easier. Auvi-Q offers a great shape for adults- fits in most handbags for women and in most pockets in menswear. However, active kids often need something on their person that will stay put. Here's what I've found so far:

• Allergy Apparel offers a variety of pouches. They come with a carabiner clip to attach to a belt loop or backpack. Two sizes are available for carrying one Auvi-Q or two. There is also an expandable Youth EpiBelt that accommodates Auvi-Q or EpiPen.   
• KoziEpi has pouches and belts to hold one or two Auvi-Q devices.  
• EpiCarriers offers a Leg Buddy Holster and a Waist Buddy that holds Auvi-Q or EpiPen.  

  

  Epi Carriers

Has anyone found an Auvi-Q carrier they prefer? Please share!

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 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?