Tips on Epipens, Anapens, and Twinjects

Allergists Dr. Andrew Clark and Dr. Shuaib Nasser provided a valuable summary of information on injectable adrenaline devices (IADs) or epinephrine pens, known by the brand names EpiPen and Anapen in the UK and Canada, and EpiPen and Twinject in the US.

Since this is a blog dealing primarily with with milk allergies, the critical point should be made first.

It’s important to know who doesn’t need an IAD. Patients without asthma who have only ever had mild reactions to ingestion of substantial amounts of allergen do not require an IAD. Most children with egg and milk allergy therefore do not need one, as these allergies are usually mild and resolve within two to three years.

Most is not the same as all, obviously, and some children with milk allergies are seriously anaphylactic and need the safety net of such a device.

The rest of their ten points can be found at PulseToday.co.uk and is worth taking the time to go through thoroughly if you have any need to know about these invaluable lifesavers.