To demand an EpiPen

[clipclop5]

DD age 15 developed a food allergy during the summer to tartrazine (yellow food colouring).

Her first reaction was the most severe and very scary. 15 mins after food containing it she began to develop a rash and intensely itch all over, before her symptoms began to spiral incredibly quickly ( in the space of 5 mins she had nausea, horrific tummy pain, diarrhoea, dizziness to the point she couldn’t walk, then finally turned very clammy + grey and fainted)

The bit that really concerned me was the greyness + fainting, as this is a sign of blood pressure drop + therefore anaphylaxis. Due to this I would really like an EpiPen for her, as it is very possible this could’ve turned into full blown anaphylactic shock.

Epi Pens have a 2 year shelf life, not 3 months.

It is not true that they will only prescribe epipens aftet allergy testing or seeing a consultant

Epi pens have a three month shelf life this is also not true.

My chid has multiple serious allergies and I had a bit of a scrap with his allergy consultant to get an epipen. Now we’ve overcome that hurdle we find allergy clinic incredibly helpful and supportive. Hopefully the wait will reduce a bit (though I know appointments are hard to come by, especially if it’s just one allergen that isn’t a common one- have more chance with dairy, egg or wheat at the moment from what I’ve been told).

Your daughter's reaction sounds very similar to my son's anaphylactic reactions. She definitely needs an epipen.

I would very much be going in and demanding one.

It’s very rare for GPs to prescribe an epipen for the first time before allergy clinic have approved it. I know this from years in pharmacy.

My DS had lots of nasty reactions to milk and seeds and we couldn't get the GP to prescribe an epi pen even though we had a strong family history of anaphylaxis. We went private and still couldn't get one as he hadn't suffered anaphylaxis. It baffles me that they could see his blood test results and his challenge tests and knew he was very allergic to a variety of allergens but still wouldn't willingly prescribe an epi pen. He was then in and out of hospital for uncontrolled wheezing and a very sensible consultant said they couldn't be sure it wasn't related to his food allergies and he was issued one. Fast forward to a few months ago when he suffered his first full anaphylactic reaction and the epi pen saved his life. Don't give up OP.

I'm still confused as to how the allergy has been confirmed?

You say its a year to see an allergy specialist?

2yo had a severe reaction to eggs last year (ended up in A&E) and she hasn't been given an Epipen. She was seen 4 months after the reaction in allergy clinic.

GP has had nothing to do with her allergy (other than referring her to allergy clinic and prescribing an antihistamine as nursery need medication prescribed... its just an OTC antihistamine!)

as it is very possible this could’ve turned into full blown anaphylactic shock

Could have, Hmmmm.

Could have but actually did not.

Did her lips swell and turn blue, did her throat swell and was she struggling to breathe? They are signs of anaphylaxis and urgent treatment is required.

Lots and lots of allergies to foods can cause symptoms that LOOK like the prelims to anaphylaxis, but that's as far as they go, for example google Oral Allergy Syndrome.

Are you aware that there are phases when epi pens and anapens are in short supply or even no supply? It happens.

Are you also aware that epipens do not just stop every allergic reaction in its tracks? Sometimes and only sometimes they can provide a window of opportunity to get the recipient to A+E. Sometimes they are not enough. Sometimes they are ineffective and that's before you even ask if the person administering it is competent enough to use it correctly.

Your 'I want one of these because it WILL save my daughter's life' demand is not a medical fact, it's only your opinion.

My GP prescribed one over the phone, HOWEVER I did have full history of the allergy progressing from Oral Allergy Syndrome (itchy mouth) to swollen tongue and change in voice to not being able to speak.

This allergy came on post my dc, in my 40s for something I’d always loved and eaten.

I’ve had to use my epipen once, and was blue lighted to hospital. Although I’ve avoided my allergen, my nurse relative has subsequently insisted upon me carrying it.

Just to say, perhaps for the type of reaction it isn’t the best resolution. Adrenaline can also have dreadful effects on your body.

Perhaps that is their reasoning?

@Graffitiqueen

Your daughter's reaction sounds very similar to my son's anaphylactic reactions. She definitely needs an epipen.

I would very much be going in and demanding one.

@Graffitiqueen would you be able to describe your son’s reactions in more detail? Sorry to be nosy!

We must have been pretty lucky then. Dd1 and I both have care plans (at work and school) and have both been seen at an allergy clinic since the GP initially prescribed epipens.

Good luck with trying to get something sorted @clipclop5

@Bridecilla

Unreasonable to demand anything. Her doctor will prescribe one if appropriate

This.

You can ask for one, don't demand it.

Epi pens have a three month shelf life

Others have beaten me to it. But this is completely wrong. I've just checked the one that I was prescribed in May this year, and its expiry date is November 2021.

I didn't realise going grey was a sign of anaphylaxis 😳 one of my children has a food allergy that results in them going a grey colour, hives, red eyes and mountains of snot. I assumed as breathing and lips not affected it was "just" an allergic reaction. It's always calmed down after antihistamines.

All consultant diagnosed but now I'm worried I'm too laissez-faire about it.

I have the same allergy and reaction profile, have not been offered an epi pen and have never needed it- easy enough to avoid tbh. Please don’t worry! Hope that helps

Could have, Hmmmm.

Could have but actually did not.

Did her lips swell and turn blue, did her throat swell and was she struggling to breathe? They are signs of anaphylaxis and urgent treatment is required.

Lots and lots of allergies to foods can cause symptoms that LOOK like the prelims to anaphylaxis, but that's as far as they go, for example google Oral Allergy Syndrome.

I had none of those symptoms. But I had two wasp stings over 12 months, and the reaction to both was violent, the second one especially so. My GP said that the progression of the reactions meant that the next one could be anaphylactic, hence I should have the means to address it if it was.

To tell someone to wait until they have an anaphylactic response before getting an Epi-pen is pretty weird. You know it can only take one anaphylactic reaction to kill, right?

This has recently happened to me this year too I bought two via an online chemist. As my go gave me no confidence, despite me being diagnosed with severe allergic reaction to Ibuprofen leading to anaphylaxis. Very scarey so having them have made me feel a lot safer

I got from UK meds. Co.uk

I have been very lucky, my son started to display allergies at 13 and they rapidly expanded until he now reacts with all fresh fruit, veg, nuts and seeds. He has oral swelling, hives, , stomach issues and breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed via the NHS after lots of tests and then they presented us with a massive list of his allergies and some we didn't even know about. He is very careful to avoid all triggers and takes a daily cocktail of anti histamines. He doesn't have an epipen. They need to be replaced every 6 months. You need two for home, two for school and two for the person to carry. Then, even two may not be enough. They are £100 ish each. £1200 a year. They only buy you minutes in a severe reaction and thankfully my son has had bad reactions but not as bad as it could be. We live very close to the hospital and my son is careful. The NHS only gives epipens when they feel it is warranted.

This doesn’t sound like an anaphylactic reaction to me. My DS has epi pens and his reactions swell his face / lips / throat and he stops breathing within 3-5 mins.

I might be misinformed snd of course everyone is different but I think an antihistamine should be enough.

DS care plan is antihistamine for a mild / moderate reaction - as you’ve described and an epi pen only if his face swells or his breathing is impaired.

@dopeyduck you are misinformed. Going grey and fainting are very much symptoms of anaphylaxis.

From my daughter's allergy action plan for this that don't seem to know all the symptoms of anaphylaxis. OP's reaction is absolutely anaphylaxis.

Going grey and fainting are pretty serious reactions.

First thing you need to do is check everything for this ingredient and don't buy it... it tedious but it helps. I have a major allergy as well and avoid my triggers and have never needed to use my epipen since I was prescribed it

That’s fair enough - I’m not an expert - I know DS reactions well but obviously there will be a broad spectrum.

In that case I don’t really understand why you’re having to bash down the door.

Could you see someone else? Different GP? Different surgery? Private consultation / private allergy clinic to speed up - of course if finances allow.

Disregarding the epi pen row I know how truly scary it is to have a child with a serious allergy and I’m sorry you’re getting no support.