In: Nursing
EPIPEN is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.(WebMD)
eat the food to which they’re allergic.
Food allergies are a common and potentially life-threatening medical condition. Nearly 30,000 emergency room visits occur every year in the United States as a result of food allergies, and it is estimated that 150 people die from their food allergies every year. As a result, it is very important that a person is prepared to treat an allergic reaction from accidentally eating the culprit food and knows how to use an epinephrine auto-injector.
More Than One Epinephrine Injection Sometimes Needed for Anaphylaxis
Studies have shown that a significant percentage of people of with allergic reactions to foods require a second dose of epinephrine, especially those with reactions to shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts.
A study of hundreds of cases at two academic medical centers in the U.S. found that 17 percent of adults presenting at the emergency department with food-related anaphylaxis needed more than one dose of epinephrine. In conclusion, they recommended all patients at risk for food-related anaphylaxis carry two doses of epinephrine. In this study of adults, the most frequent foods that triggered anaphylaxis were shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish.People with severe food allergies should carry at least two epinephrine auto-injectors in case an accidental food exposure results in an allergic reaction. Check with your doctor for instructions on when and if a second dose of epinephrine should be used for severe allergic reactions.(More,2018)
So,It is advisable to carry more than one EpiPen (i.e two) with physician advice.
ref:
1.WebMD ,Epipen Auto-Injector
2.Daniel More, 2018,Be Prepared for an Allergy With the Right Number of EpiPens,allergies,Very well health.