It seems like for every drug there is someone who had a severe allergic reaction. Has anyone bought an epinephrine pen just to have on hand? I can't seem to find them available anywhere. If you don't have one and you did have a severe reaction is death likely? Thanks,
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You can only get them by prescription and they are very expensive without insurance.
I would not worry about being allergic to a drug because normally your body gives you plenty of signals that there is a problem. Plenty of time to get help.
If you have a KNOWN allergy (peanuts, certain foods, wasp stings) then it is important to have an epi-pen.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- The kind of allergic reactions listed for many meds are not the kind for those with a peanut allergy, as LymeToo posts. So, an EPI pen would not be appropriate to have on hand until one has a very particular allergy.
The thing is that if it is not an actual allergic reaction and, rather, a strong herx . . . this could cause a serious problem in another way.
Of course, if a true allergic reaction, EPI might be the right action and required.
Just know that even then, you would also need (your own pre-thought out) EMERGENCY ADRENAL SUPPORT because EPI can affect those with lyme in a very dramatic way. This is not something any doctor will consider so you must have your own plan at the ready.
I'm not saying avoid it if required for a true emergency and anaphylactic shock, of course it would be required.
Otherwise, it is important to know what it can do so we can have measures on hand not to have an adrenal crisis. From my file notes:
Epinephrine is in many anesthetics (not sure about anesthesia, though). Some discussion on why epinephrine (EPI) can be a rough ride for someone with lyme (especially if they have adrenal issues):
EPI & medical / dental procedures -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Also consider how magnesium and liver support as part of a plan before taking any new Rx can help prevent some harsh effects (not taking about a true allergy and where breathing is in danger, of course, but certainly some harsh reactions are not all true allergies).
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If one is prone to allergies / anaphylactic shock, I wonder if there may be a way to take just a tiny bit of a new Rx under the tongue for a trial run and then wait a while - a half day at least, though maybe longer.
Not all meds can be dissolved in the mouth and this may not work yet something to discuss with the doctor.
Is there some kind of "allergy" organization that has information for how to be safer in this matter, what kind of tiny dose test runs can be done sort of advice? -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It might be wise to have benadryl on hand.
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
Do you have a history of allergies of any kind - even just environmental? Do allergies run in your family?
If so, it's not a bad idea to have an epi pen on hand. Lyme does all sorts of weird things to our bodies and for me, new allergies was one of them.
Ask your doctor for a script. There are coupons for epi pens online.