epipen information please!

[debliz5]

Hi,
I finally managed to get an epipen for my DS, although the doctor was reluctant to give it, as she said very small chance he will need it. We're going on holiday tomorrow and I wanted to be on the safe side. The doc told me the chemist would tell me how to use it, which they did, but I still wanted to ask you:

Where should it be stored?
Is it complicated to use?
After using it, we should go to hospital, right?

Sorry to sound so ignorant but I hope to stay that way and never ever need to use it!!!

Thanks for your responses!

your Gp should arrange for a practice nurse or school community nurse to show you how to use the epi pen and emergency procedures.

Also, many chemist will just read the instuction leaflet inside and tell you!

Epi-epens are simple to use, but you do need to be shown how.

Once you have your epi pens contact the manufactuer and buy some 'trainer' epi pens so that you can practice togther as a family.
Contact the anaphylaxis campaign and buy their DVDs .

Yes, after giveing the epi pen you should go to the hospital. AS further treatment will be required.
Epi pens are not a cure, they are simply a means to keep you ok and get to the hosptial. For many they solve the problem, but there is a need for hospitals as they need to check airways and be alert for another reaction, when epi wears of.
Its worth asking for two epi pens in case of this.

Do not put epi pen in the fridge or expose to heat. Never leave in car in the summer for instance.
The expirey date in on edge of label, and if you hold epi pen to the light the liquid should be clear, if it is yellow looking then it has deteriated, or is out of date and needs to be replaced.

As you are going on holiday I think its worth buying a bag and put in all emergency meds , plus instruction leaflet and info on the allergies, and contact details, and agreed treatment plan.
This bag should be with you at ALL TIMES.

I would also get your child a medic alert bracelet as well in the future.

where are you going on holiday?

Thanks a Lot, williamsmummy! I had no idea of half of the things you told me here. The doctor is treating this very casualy and just indulged me by giving me the perscription, without even showing me anything . You're right about the chemist - that's exactly what she did- read the leaflet...
We're going tomorrow (to Israel) and won't have time to do all that you recommended.
Just another question: Once you open the epipen and don't inject, do you have to throw it away? I'm just thinking of what happens if I think he's going into shock and open the epipen and then realize he's not... have i wasted it?
Thanks again

you don't really open an epipen, you take it out of the packet, put it against their leg and slide your hand down. So you can have it out of the phial and not waste it.
They recommend swingng it now but the old way is easier to learn. We used to have a bum bag that contained the epipens, a small bottle containing antihistamine and a cork. The cork goes on the epipen needle if you have to use it so you don't prick yourself until you can dispose of it. You won't see the needle unless you have to use the pen.

When you get back the anaphylaxis campaign probably have vidoes that show how to use it. We have one for the old method and it was a great comfort. At an anaphylaxis campaign meet up you may be given a trainer pen, they are worth their weight in gold. They are like epipens but have no needle. So you can put them against your leg and press down. A real epipen is actually easier to use so don't be put off by the trainer. I keep all our old ones so that they can be used as training devices (we inject oranges or apples). They have a bit of a kick back. When yours expires use it to practise.

Debliz5, im glad you have finally got DS a Epipen. I also hope you never have to use it but my ds's consultant said the same thing to me and i have had to use it and i take all the precausions i can to make sure he is safe. Just remember to always have it with you, as you just never know. good luck