The Drug Rehabilitation

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Choosing The Right Epipen Carrier

By Anita Ortega


Anyone that suffers from life-threatening allergies must have immediate access to an epipen at the first sign of anaphylaxis. The single dose of the drug epinephrine this device provides could be life-saving. Investing in an epipen carrier to make sure you keep supplies on hand is a wise idea for allergy sufferers and their caregivers.

An auto-injector containing the drug epinephrine is commonly known as an epipen. This device is thought to be the quickest way to administer the proper amount of the drug if a life-threatening reaction caused by a specific food, insect bite or other allergen occurs. A reaction of this type is known as anaphylaxis and might result in itchy hives, other rashes, tightness in the throat or trouble breathing.

Keeping epinephrine on hand is critical for anyone with this type of severe allergy. This is the case for children, teenagers and even adults. However, for children that aren't yet old enough to comprehend the seriousness of their allergy, a parent or caregiver should manage their medications.

Even though they're not that large, epipens just don't seem fit very well in clothing pockets. Most allergy sufferers simply keep them in their purse, backpack or jacket. However, new types of carriers designed specifically for transporting an auto-injector are now on the market.

The newer carriers make it easier for severe allergy sufferers to enjoy a more normal way of life. Many of these were designed with today's active lifestyle in mind. Parents of children with serious allergies can feel better knowing their child is prepared in case of an emergency.

For younger children that may be new to carrying their own supplies, fun carriers designed to look like stuffed toy animals will make it easier for them to keep track of. Newer approaches, such as the waist band or ankle strap pouches, can be secured to the body and are easily concealed by clothing. These styles may be preferred by teenagers who might not always want to carry a bag or might not want to stand out as being different. A zippered pouch that has loops for attaching to your own backpack or belt may be the best bet for adults that carry their child's supplies, as it can be easily used by another person when needed.

Most carriers provide a great way to carry an epipen, but some also include special tags or medical identification cards. These allow important information, such as your name, address, phone number, emergency contact and what type of allergy you have, to be attached to the case. This could be very important in an emergency situation, but it could also be useful if the pouch was lost or accidentally left behind.

Anyone with a known life-threatening allergy should keep an epipen nearby at all times. If a person was suffering from anaphylaxis, quick access to the drug epinephrine could make a huge difference. Fortunately, there are many new styles of carriers that make it simpler for allergy sufferers or caregivers to lead active lifestyles while still carrying an epipen.




About the Author:



No comments: