Need Discounted Epinephrine Auto-Injectors for Your Camp?
An epinephrine auto-injector provides an emergency injection of epinephrine, a medicine used to treat an allergic emergency known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise or other unknown causes.
Epinephrine auto-injectors come in two strengths, a 0.30mg auto-injector for patients who weigh >30 kilograms and a 0.15mg auto-injector for patients who weigh 15 to 30 kilograms. Epinephrine auto-injectors are sold in dual packs, with two auto-injectors per pack.
EpiPen, Auvi-Q, and Adrenaclick are prescription-only brand name medications and can be very expensive. Cheaper generic options are now available, and the only difference between an authorized generic and its brand name alternative is the name on the label.
Not all children at risk for anaphylaxis have received an epinephrine prescription or always carry their auto-injectors with them. Epinephrine is the only first-line therapy for anaphylaxis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases guidelines.
According to the American Camp Association, camps should have a policy in place for managing food allergies, avoiding allergic triggers and taking appropriate emergency action should anaphylaxis occur. All camps should also consider having an allergy and anaphylaxis action plan on file for camper with potentially life-threatening allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers an anaphylaxis emergency action plan.
Please consult with your camp’s health staff. Epinephrine auto-injectors are indicated in the emergency treatment of Type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to allergens, idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and in patients with a history or increased risk of anaphylactic reactions. Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to body weight.
Childhood allergies are on the rise. According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of children have their first allergic reaction at school or while participating in out-of-school activities, such as camp. Many states legislatures have passed legislation to allow camps to obtain and administer epinephrine auto-injectors. The American Camp Association advocates for school, camps, and other youth serving programs to have access to these life-saving auto-injectors.