epipens for children under 15 kg

[evester]

curious to know if anyone else has been prescribed adrenaline in ampoule with syringe and needle as baby too small for epipen. We have been carrying this for DD now 18 months since she was 6 months and been told epipen junior not suitable until she weighs 15 kg. ?

[LizP]

I had an epipen junior for ds1 when he was under 1 and less than 15 kg - GP said he couldn't prescribe it but that a paediatric allergy specialist could. So we got it from him.

[evester]

thanks. it was a paediatrician who prescribed this. its much more difficult to use ( not that we've had to . . touch wood) its just the thought of trying to draw up the correct amount etc in that situation.

[tiggyhop]

Sounds strange, I was prescribed an epipen for DD when she was 8 months old, and have just renewed it at 18 months. Both from consultants though.

[Chandra]

Evester, DS was prescribed something in drops whose name I can't remember in the mean time before we got the confirmation of the allergy tests. But as soon as they were confirmed, the allergician prescribed the epipens (wrote to the GP so he could prescribe them), and I'm sure DS was lighter than 15 kg at the time. How much does she weight now?

[Babbit]

We have an Anapen for children below 30kg (i think from memory).

[evester]

Thanks. She weighs just about 11 kg now. seems to be taking ages to get there will probably be well after her 2nd birthday before we get pen.

[Chandra]

Are you in the UK? if so, has she been seen by an allergician/immunologist or a paediatrician with an interest in allergies?

I have found that in countries where life threatening allergies are uncommon, even sufferers have not heard of Epipen, but I'm a bit surprised at your child not getting it if she is in the UK (unless she sufferes from another differet condition that may "interact" with the premetered Epipen dose.

[evester]

Sorry took ages to reply. yes in uk. we have seen a consultant paed and also more recently an allergy consultant at sick kids hospital. there is no other reason than her weight. definitely going to query this.

[alibobins]

DS has had an epi-pen since he was 9 months he's now 2.5 and still doesn't weight 15kg