epipens - how long a date do you get?

[tatt]

We were given an epipem recently with a date of just 8 months - and that was one they ordered in for us. Just wondered how long a date you get on yours as the shelf life is supposed to be 2 years. Even allowing for a pharmacy having to keep them around until needed I think that's too short.

Nobody in NZ would take one with under a year on it as they are $120 a pop. I know people who just refuse them if they are short dated.

Our first one was dated 10 months and the one we have now was about 14 months. Our chemist gets them in especially too but am going to refuse anything under the 12 months. I have only been allowed the two so far as I haven't "used" one they will not prescribe me another one as have had two this year. Worries me as we go camping a lot and is mostly more than 20 mins for hospital. We have got our annual testing on Tuesday so will be asking for another then. Ours are $23.00 for the two each year and $180 thereafter.

the first patent on epipens was 1985 although I think the 1989 one was probably more important. Still other manufacturers are beginning to get in on the act (www.twinject.com) so presumably in a year or two the price will start to come down. They are all made in America at the moment but even allowing for that it looks to me like incompetence somewhere in the system.

We sometimes got two years when we were registered with a dispensing doctor. Fortunately we don't pay for ours as prescriptions for kids are free but the gps get funny about cost when they have to be issued so often.

I think mine generally last a year. They're abominably expensive but I know it could save my life. Tell me, is anyone as naughty as I am about carrying it around everywhere? (I don't, although I should. )It would be so much easier if I had something to carry it in.

sansouci - must admit that I don't carry it to pick my older dd up from school. I am in Australia and the temps at moment are around the 28 to 33 degrees celcius. With it not being allowed to get over 30 degrees or be cooled down I sometimes find it tricky to keep it at right temp and I am always worried that if I leave it in the car for any length of time it will be really overheated. I still carry mine around in the nappy bag even though ds is now 2 and I would looove to get rid of the nappy bag and have a lovely stylish handbag again.

you can buy special bags to carry them, or soemthing to go around your neck. We have a number of bumbags but see, for example

www.medicareplus.co.uk/products.html

www.yellowcross-online.co.uk/catalog

Our main bumbag lives on the stair banister when not in use or on a hook by the door, that way its easier to remember when you leave.

Do you all use the reminder service for replacements? At meet ups there is always at least one pen out of date.

usually have a lifespan of a year ,have just repaced ds's ones at nursery.We have two at home and two kept pemanently at his preschool.Have never had any problems geting repeat prescriptions as yet!

We have a yellow carrier from yellowcross ,but it is diificult finding a bag that can hold anthistamine aswell that dh can carry aswell without feeling it's too girly IYKWIM

the medicare ones look pretty masculine to me. we find it cheaper to use other containers, though - if a bumbag doesn't appeal how about a camera case or mobile phone holder, or even a tool belt

www.toolstation.com/shop/Storage/ToolStorage/d60/sd2867

I've had to complain to my gp recently about sarcastic sounding comments from the receptionist - like oh but you only had one recently (8 months ago, actually and I don't determine how often I have to ask for them!). We have had nothing but problems with this gp/pharmacy combination.

I have literally been told I cannot have more than two a year if they haven't been "used" only expired. Will be taking it up with the allergist tomorrow.

Just say you used them?

I probably wouldn't be able to get away with it. Both of my docs are very thorough (reason I love them) and would then be wanting the whole story to record.

mymama, Im astonished. what an attitude from your doctors. if they are expired they should be replaced. Ours generally dont last 12 months but they are provided free here (2 for at home and 2 for at school) and I have never had a problem getting replacements.

if you say you've used them it could also affect your travel insurance, we are asked when we last used ours.

Mine had forgotten hers today, think we're going to the school as there is only one there.

Bum, didn't think about that.

bunny2 - the one I have is not expired I just want two because we go camping a lot and are nearly always more than an hour from a hospital. One has already expired this year and I still have one current one. My ds is not in care yet as I have a little problem letting go .

look like we just got lucky when we got some epipens with a 2 year date then. I think the manufacturer must be incompetent to take so long for them to get to the end user, but its seems to be the same everywhere.

Just had our annual testing and managed to wrangle another epipen out of the doctor so have two now!!! Apparently only allowed two if child in care or school but she cheated on it for me. Also can't help but gush about results. DS allergies it wheat, dairy and fish came up negative and his peanut and egg had reduced considerably [bigger grin]. We have always avoided shrimp (prawns) as well just in case but he tested negative for those so it looks like prawns for Christmas tea (fairly traditional in Australia!!!).

mine usually have about 8 months on them...and i get 2 at a time

mymama hopefully your child is outgrowing their nut allergy but I've met people who have been told their child has outgrown it (after proper testing) only for them to have an anaphylactic reaction when they ate a nut. Until they have passed a food challenge you can't rely on the test results for nuts.