SC - allergy-kit questions

[Gaylin Walli]

Stefan asked:
>1) Is there just one type of food allergy kit? Or are they
>made up specifically on an individual basis?
>2) Or are there just a few specific types?

I cananswer the first two, at least, with some degree of
certaintly.

The "ana kit" I have is an injection of epineprhrine for
all "Allergic Emergencies (anaphylazis". I have had two
varieties. The first was a small, flat, red case containing
a syringe with two doses of epinephrine and two tablets
of what I believe was benedryl.

I hated this kit.

I have a severe allergy to all stings from bees, wasps, etc.
Trying to give yourself an injection without worrying about
getting an air bubble in yourself or hitting the wrong spot
by accident is hardly worth the effort.

I now have an auto-injecting pen called "EpiPen" which
automatically injects a 0.3 mg dose of epinephrine
intramuscularly. I have administered this pen several
times (unfortunately) even through clothing (I was wearing
blue jeans) and it has worked every time (I'm still alive!).

According to the Physicians Insert that was included with
my prescription, under the "Clinical Pharmacology" heading:

"[Epinephrine] is the drug of choice for the emergency
treatment of severe allergic reactions (Type 1) to insect
stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens."

And under the "Indications and Usage" heading it says this
specifically:

"Epinephrine is indicated in the emergency treatment of
allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites,
foods, drugs and other allergens as well as idiopathic
or exercise induced anaphylaxis. The EpiPen Auto-injector
is intended for immediate self-administration by a person
with a history of an anaphylactic reaction. Such reactions
may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of
flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or
unobtainable pulse associated witha fall in blood pressure,
convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps,
involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm,
pruritis, rashes, urticaria or angioedema. The EpiPen is
designed as emergency supportive therapy only and is not
a replacement or substitute for immediate medical or
hospital care."

If anyone wants a copy of the insert, I'll be happy to
photocopy it and send it. I suspect you may be able to
visit your local pharmacy and ask them for a database
printout on the product itself.

Hope this helps,

Jasmine
Jasmine de Cordoba, Midrealm, g.walli at infoengine.com

"Si enim alicui placet mea devotio, gaudebo; si autem
nulli placet, memet ipsam tamen juvat quod feci."
- -- Hroswith of Gandersheim
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