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Allergies and intolerances

travelling in very hot country with epipen...

10 replies

brimfull · 10/08/2007 21:16

did you keep the epipen in anything to keep it cool other than handbag or backpack.

We're going to Turkey in a weeks time and have just thought about this,would a Backpack/cooler be worthwhile?

OP posts:

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IsabelWatchingItRainInMacondo · 12/08/2007 01:46

I don't know really, how cold is a fridge? wonder if you can keep it in the fridge if the weather gets unbearably hot, and put it in a padded lunchbag that helps to keep it cool when out and about (but keep the kit out of direct sunlight).

We keep DS's medicines in a lunchbox cooler anyway, not because of the weather but because it was kinder than having a tupperware hiting against my back and also protects the bottle of piriton from braking up. So perhaps something to consider.

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madamez · 12/08/2007 01:56

Consult your GP (or NHS direct) about how cool it actually needs to be kept. I have a feelling (have freind who carries one and she's never been that fussed about it) that it is not a substance badly damaged by heat.

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IsabelWatchingItRainInMacondo · 12/08/2007 08:43

The maximimum to which they should be exposed is 25 C, but the box doesn't specify the minimum. I had to get rid of 2 epipens because DH forgot them in the car in the winter, I really can't remember exactly if it was 0 or 8 degrees the minimum temperature (hence my question about the temp in fridges). We got this info from a pharmacist who I believe its the most informed person in this case (he will need to look it up under epinephrine) as the GP or NHS direct will only know the info from the box which unfortunately, in this particular case, is not that clear.

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mymama · 12/08/2007 08:49

I am in Australia and carry ds's epipen in my bag. High heat can affect the adrenaline but would have to be v high heat I think.

You can't put an epipen in the fridge or with a freezer block because the cold can affect the mechanism of the needle and it might not work when you need it. Think you would be better of risking the heat.

Check the fluid is clear every couple of days.

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IsabelWatchingItRainInMacondo · 12/08/2007 09:05

Mymama, if it's not clear... what colour it takes. Do they become less translucent? yellow? how bad it should be before you get a new set?

and totally out of the topic... are you still moving to Manchester?

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mymama · 12/08/2007 09:09

I think it gets cloudy. If all okay you should only need to get a new one when the old one is due to expire.

Not moving to Manchester.
dh got a fabulous job offer here he could not refuse so we are doing a 3 month trip through England, Scotland, Ireland,France, Italy. We leave here on 4th October, can't wait .

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IsabelWatchingItRainInMacondo · 12/08/2007 09:29

If you pass through York, and would like to meet for a coffee, let me know

Chandr

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mymama · 12/08/2007 13:23

Thanks for the lovely offer Chandra. We will possibly be passing through York in November.

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tatt · 12/08/2007 14:29

Have been in very warm temperatures (40C one day) recently and was quite worried about this. Kept spare epipens in air conditioned room (took them out in rotation) and put them in the shade when outside. If I'd thought about it in advance I might have taken a cooler bag but they were OK.

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brimfull · 12/08/2007 20:09

thanks for your replies,I have bought a very small cool bag thing to store them in,which will fit in my bag.Temp in turkey in mid 30's so think I'll need it.