A lot of people suffer from a deadly allergic reaction. And thankfully, most of them have a personal Epipen. But new research is showing that the majority of these individuals aren’t using them when they need them.
It might sound hard to believe, but a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy shows that almost 90% of people surveyed filled their prescription. This is obviously good news.
But 45 percent of these people said they didn’t have their epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI) with them during their most severe allergic reaction. This was despite the fact that 78 percent of the people responding said they had been hospitalized for their allergy at some point in their lifetime.
Why aren’t people trying to save their own life? Part of it is mis-education, or a lack of education in general. Slightly more than 20% of respondents admitted that they actually didn’t know how to use their EAI.
Related: Epipen Makers Prodded for 400% Price Hike
This is obviously bad news. Life-threatening allergic reactions can, well, literally take your life. It’s simply a matter of having that EAI near you at all times.
About half of participants surveyed said they had their Epipen accessible within 5 minutes all of the time. A good amount-44%- said they carried and EAI with them all the time.
Here’s some advice from the experts. Researchers in this study say that if you suffer from severe allergic reactions you should:
-always have your EAI with you
-always carry two EAIs as the possibility exists that a severe reaction can reoccur
-Administer epinephrine at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction, especially if you have had a previous anaphylactic reaction or you suffer from both a severe allergy and asthma, simultaneously.
Stay safe.
