Food Allergy Testing

We stopped doing skin and blood tests for food allergies about three years ago. Frankly, we got mixed results each time and the more information I read, the less convinced I was that we were getting any helpful information from either type of test. We have continued food challenges, but even those results are often unclear. It becomes hard to separate what is physical and what is brought on by stress.

I am encouraged with new testing options available. Many are not covered by insurance plans, but it may be helpful to learn more and discuss with your allergist. Here's what I've seen recently:

• uKnow Peanut Molecular Allergy Test- this one costs $300 and is not covered by insurance
• Food Detective- can test a person’s reaction against 59 common food types. Recently approved for use in India, it is not currently approved by the FDA for use in the United States. This test requires a finger prick for testing. You can see the video for more information.
• Measurement of Specific Enzyme-  "If it proves to be as useful as the early trials suggest, it is likely to become the gold standard for diagnosis of severe allergic reactions around the world.' said Dr Mich Lajeunesse, a member of the clinical research team about the new blood test that measures levels of an enzyme called CPA3.

 As food allergy rates continue to rise, I suspect we'll see more and more diagnostic tests available. If you haven't been in touch with your allergist lately about newer testing options, check in to find out what's new. Please share if you have any personal experience with tests beyond the traditional skin and RAST (blood) tests.

A Little Market Competition for EpiPens

EpiPens by Mylar

Holy smokes! I just paid $44 for our back-to school EpiPens! A few years ago, I paid $10.

Now believe me, I'm always happy to give our unused pens to the doctor's office (although we first inject them in an orange for practice before turning them in). I'd rather pay and not have to use the epinephrine, than have a medical emergency requiring their use; however, with no competition, no matter how high the price may go, many of us are going to pay it.

We must. It's the only thing we've got in an emergency.

Things may change this fall when Sanofi introduces Auvi-Q and again in 2015 when Teva puts out a generic EpiPen (pending FDA approval).

We'll see. I was hopeful that Twinject may have been a competitor to the EpiPen in terms of pricing, but that hasn't happened. In this NY Times article, "Tiny Lifesaver for a Growing Worry",

an analyst at Cowen & Company questioned whether parents would be willing to switch to a different brand in such life-or-death situations, saying, “parents may want the real thing".

So, I'm wondering...are you willing to try something new or are you sticking with the tried and true EpiPen? Are you excited about Auvi-Q?  Are you buying fewer EpiPens as the prices have increased?

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?

Making EpiPens Publicly Available for Allergic Reactions

I recently learned that our school district now has stock Epipens in all buildings. The rationale for this was in the event of a sheltering-in situation, additional emergency medications for food and insect allergic reactions may need to be available. I am unclear what happens when these medications expire. Where is the funding for extra Epipens going to come from, and who is keeping track of expiration dates?

Our school buildings already have defibrillators. "A Dangerous Allergy to Change", by Gillian Tett in FT magazine talks about the Good Samaritan Law leading to installation of defibrillators and questions why Epipens are not treated in the same manner.

The Virginia senate has sent an Epipen bill to the governor for signature following the death of an elementary student allergic to peanuts. Are we heading to nationwide availability of stock epinephrine in our schools, parks and other public places? It certainly makes sense from a health perspective, but I understand the concerns when it comes to cost and tracking of expired meds.

Does your school stock epinephrine? Would you be more apt to travel to places, say Disney, if you knew there was epinephrine readily available in the event of an anaphylactic emergency?