Prescribing guidelines for people at risk of anaphylaxis recommend two or more epinephrine auto-injectors because a single dose of epinephrine is often not sufficient to stop the progression of a reaction. Not enough epinephrine administered in a timely fashion could prove catastrophic.
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice surveyed 505 patients ages 13 to 65 and 448 caregivers to determine adherence to the “more than one” guideline.
A whopping 82% reported not carrying at least two auto-injectors at all times even though half the respondents reported needing a second dose in a previous event. 45% of the 73 respondents who required emergency care reported doing so because of the unavailability of a second dose.
Where was the second dose? Most respondents (84%) kept at least one auto-injector at home. 64% were instructed to always carry one and keep the second dose in another location contrary to prescribing guidelines.
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) recommends those prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors “carry two epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all times,” and “to make sure you have quick access to this life-saving medication.”
We at SnackSafely.com too often find ourselves reporting on tragedies caused by anaphylaxis resulting from food allergies. In many of the cases, the victim did not have sufficient epinephrine on-hand when the reaction occurred.
We urge you to “Take 2 epinephrine auto-injectors along everywhere… every time.” To help you and your family members remember, we have a series of free flyers from our “Take 2” campaign to post at your home, school nurse’s office and work. Click here to download your set.
