Have You Checked Your EpiPen Lately?

Have you checked the date on your EpiPen lately? An out-of-date EpiPen can prevent you from getting the medicine you need in an emergency. Even though I don’t have an anaphylaxis response to foods (my food allergies produce an autoimmune response), I am severely allergic to bee stings and carry my EpiPen in my golf bag.  Be sure not to expose your EpiPen to extreme heat and cold, and don’t leave it in a hot car in the summer or in the refrigerator. I try not to leave my golf bag in the car in extreme temperature conditions anyway because extreme temperatures can affect the epoxy on my clubs. Although not recommended, if your symptoms are severe and you must carry one in your car, wrap the EpiPen in a towel to prevent freezing in cold temperatures and park in shaded areas and use a sun shade on the front window in hot temperatures. You will have to replace EpiPens stored in cars more frequently.

It is difficult to always have your EpiPen handy, so be sure to keep several in locations you frequent, such as a purse, home, school locker, sports bag, and friends and family’s homes. Make sure if your child needs an EpiPen that school administrators have them available on trips and outings. Also, make sure your child’s teacher and any sports coach is aware of your child’s allergy, knows his or her symptoms, and how to use the EpiPen in an emergency. Consider investing in a medical ID necklace or bracelet for your child in case he or she is unable to communicate the emergency or loses consciousness.

Check to make sure the EpiPen is in date and that the solution shown in the injector’s view window is not discolored or lumpy. Mine recently expired and even though the solution is not discolored, I will put a new one in the golf bag for the upcoming playing season.