What are Serious Allergies?

Serious food allergies means having severe allergic reactions to certain foods, which may include nuts, milk, eggs, soy, and/or other foods. A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. At the first sign of anaphylaxis epinephrine is the recommended first step at treating it, followed by immediate medical attention. Being prepared for anaphylaxis means having access to an epinephrine auto-injector.

What are Serious Allergies?

Serious food allergies means having severe allergic reactions to certain foods, which may include nuts, milk, eggs, soy, and/or other foods. A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. At the first sign of anaphylaxis epinephrine is the recommended first step at treating it, followed by immediate medical attention. Being prepared for anaphylaxis means having access to an epinephrine auto-injector.

Below are a few New Year’s tips and suggestions for people with serious food allergies. If you have any questions, you should always consult with your healthcare provider.

New Year’s is here, and it’s time for a fresh start! New Year’s is a time of festivity and renewal. When enjoying New Year’s, most people want to celebrate and have fun.

But if you have serious food allergies, it’s important to be careful about what you eat and to be prepared. ALWAYS bring epinephrine auto-injectors wherever you go – simply because life isn’t always predictable, and even with the best planning, an allergic reaction might occur. Use your epinephrine auto-injector at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction (Type I, including anaphylaxis), then call 911.

Check food labels when possible, ask about ingredients, and bring your own food to parties. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check the menu in advance, make sure the food staff knows about your allergies, and is prepared to handle them. In fact, you might want to research the restaurant online ahead of time to check how others rate them on their food allergy-savvy.

The bottom line for people with serious food allergies requiring epinephrine auto-injection: At New Year’s always be prepared. Checking labels and asking about ingredients before you eat is always a good idea… Make sure restaurants are prepared to handle your allergies… Many people make resolutions about improving their health… And always carry your epinephrine auto-injector. Remember, no matter how you celebrate New Year, be prepared. Happy New Year!

Sources:

“Epinephrine for First-aid Management of Anaphylaxis,” Sicherer et al, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

“Food Allergy,” American College of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology (ACAAI)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive
therapy and is not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of
epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of
epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision.

Epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector should ONLY be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Do not
inject intravenously. Do not inject into buttock. Do not inject into fingers, hands or feet. Instruct caregivers to
hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection to minimize the risk of injection
related injury.

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with
cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In such patients, or in patients who
are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris
as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported
in patients with underlying cardiac disease or those receiving certain drugs. Patients who receive epinephrine
while concomitantly taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics or anti-arrhythmics should be observed carefully for the
development of cardiac arrhythmias. Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with
hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice
a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by
Clostridia, have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Advise patients
to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection.