RECALL on Epi Pens!





If you use an Epi Pen for yourself or your kids, check your lot number because there is a recall on 13 lots of Epi Pens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said :


"This recall is due to the potential that these devices may contain a defective part that may result in the devices’ failure to activate."
 and:

"While the number of reported failures is small, EpiPen products that potentially contain a defective part are being recalled because of the potential for life-threatening risk if a severe allergic reaction goes untreated."
 So, how do you know if your Epi Pen is defective? The FDA says that those purchased from December 17, 2015 - July 1, 2016 could have a possible defect.

You can check the FDA's website for the dates and lot numbers on your Epi Pen.

For those of you with food allergies, you know how scary it can be to think that your Epi Pen might not work! I am allergic to seafood and Son #2 is allergic to all tree nuts. We are always watching for foods that may cause us to have anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction.)

In fact, we were at a family dinner last night and there was a delicious looking dessert. Family assured us that it was okay for Son #2 to eat, because there were only nuts on half of the dessert. Unfortunately, that means the ENTIRE dessert is contaminated. I love family, but since they don't have food allergies, they don't understand cross contamination 

Since Son #2 and I both had accidental exposures last fall, we are REALLY nervous. Both of our reactions were mild, but new antibodies were formed. Which means the next exposure could be much more serious! Cleveland Clinic explains the science behind this:

"IgE antibodies are generated against food allergens after exposure through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, or nonintact skin. The clinical manifestations depend upon the characteristics of the offending proteins, the genetic susceptibility of the person, and the route of sensitization. Food allergy is more common in patients who have other allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, and who have a family history of atopy."

 So, we will keep inspecting all the food we eat. We're not afraid to ask the restaurant, caterer, friend, or family member what's in the recipe. 

Our life depends on it!

 
One final warning from FDA:

"As stated on the product label, consumers should always seek emergency medical help right away after using their EpiPens, particularly if the device did not activate."

Comments

  1. My allergist in my hometown didn't see anything wrong with the generic. However mine in college station didn't want me using them because she says they may accidentally discharge and the mechanics aren't as good. So I got auvi-q since my insurance covers it. It's not much cheaper than epi-pen but I don't want to support mylan. They're already overcharging for my ADD meds

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    1. I heard they were coming back on the market, glad you found an auto injector you like!

      Another option is Adrenaclick

      http://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/how-to-get-cheaper-epipen-alternative/

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  2. My doctor said the generic adrenaclick is more prone to misfiring and didn't want me using it. This allergist seems more strict than most, but I trust her.

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    Replies
    1. Woah...I haven't heard that! I hope mine works when I need it to! Yikes!

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