Page 25 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Quick Tip - There are proven immunotherapy treatments available for some people allergic to things like insect stings, pollen, and pet dander. Immunotherapy for stinging insects in particular is highly effective, and can reduce your risk of anaphylaxis from about 50% down to 3%. Check with your allergist for more information.
What would you say? (Q&A)
Lindsay, Sophia, Sydney P.
Where do you carry your EpiPen® or Allerject®?
Lindsay - If I am at school, my EpiPen® will be in the front pocket of my backpack where it is easily
accessible. When I am going out, it will be in a purse or in my pocket.
Sydney P. - It really depends on the season! In the winter, I carry my auto-injector in my jacket pocket. In the summer, I usually carry it in a purse. At all times, I always carry a second auto-injector in a small front pocket on my backpack. And all of my friends know which pocket it is!
What do you do if you forget it?
Lindsay - If I forget my EpiPen®, the majority of the time I will avoid eating anything.
Sophia – Ideally, I would try not to eat anything until I can go home and get it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Sydney P. - The answer to this question would almost always be “turn around and go get it.” However, if I am travelling a long way from home, I always carry an extra prescription just in case!
How many times have you used your auto-injector? Lindsay - Thankfully I have never had to use it!
Sophia - I have used my auto-injector twice in my life. Both times were in the last couple of years. Once I even used it at my own house!
Sydney P. - I have used my auto-injector 4 times in the past 8 years. But I am currently on a two and a half year reaction–free streak!
At what point during the reaction have you given yourself epinephrine?