Eppi pens

[Southern Heritage]

Just wondering how many people carry Eppi pens and what’s their plan if in the back country and or just in general.
I’m allergic so I always have one on me. However after this last event I will have 3.
I grew up working honey bee’s, grew up getting stung by yellow jackets, wasp, etc.
I landscape for a living so it’s the norm. In 2015 I got stung in the upper lip. My buddy found me out cold and not responding.
So I get allergy tested and I’m allergic. Doctor says limit time outdoors don’t take unnecessary chances. Been popped a few times since then. No huge reaction.
Fast forward this weekend. Red wasp pops me on the arm. I needle my self after almost instant shock sets in.
Chug Benadryl and say good night.
2 days later I’m driving down the road. Throat starts closing up again.
I happened to be next door a family care. Walk in. Get another shot of Eppi and a steroid shot.
As I’m planning my fall trip of 15 days in the back country. Im re thinking my Eppi situation.
Doctor says being out side is not worth the risk. I laughed. As I’m sure they have to say that.
I did qualify for the new Neffy which is a nasal injection and much lighter.
My thoughts are I’m going to take both Neffy and 1 Audi-Q then Liquid Benadryl.

This isn’t made to sound like a poor poor pitiful me. I know it may come off that way.
It’s a who else deals with this and have you had a bad experience in the back woods? What’s your protocol.

 

[Huntndog]

My wife has a similar problem and carries an epi pen always. In your case I think your plan makes sense as it’s unreasonable to simply never be outside. It’s good you are thinking about it before getting caught in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Jmort1754]

H1 and H2 blockers
Epi

Oral Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi

Typically what we do
First line is Epi

 

[Jpsmith1]

Would having Zyrtec and/or Xyzal help?

Not a medical dude, exactly but try to think around corners a little.

Epi as a first line because its fast, of course.

 

[Ranger619]

Make sure anyone with you knows how to administer the Epi-pen

 

[Nicaburns]

+1 on the oral Pepcid… I developed an allergy at 55 and have been to the ER with it three times now.
Each time they have given Pepcid as part of treatment so Epi, Pepcid, Benadryl, and Allegra are the cocktail that has been recommended to me. Each person seems to react differently… respiratory issues, heart issues, hives, and vomiting are the four key indicators of anaphylactic shock. My two have been hives and heart… I tend to go into tachycardia and sky high blood pressure (210ish/120ish) in addition to terrible hives.
I will still go hunting… but sadly not scout or bow hunt in GA during summer or archery. I will wait to hit the mountains out west in the Fall.

 

[OKHunter84]

My youngest son has a tree not allergy, more specifically pecans and walnuts, cashews and pistachios as well. The tree nut types kinda go in pairs. He can eat peanuts and almonds.

We didn't know this until he ate some pecan pieces helping my wife cook for Thanksgiving last year. His throat started swelling shut and I had to race him to the ER.

They told me that it's not uncommon to have another secondary reaction up to 72 hours later. It sounds like that's what happened with you a day or two later possibly.

The neffy, epi and Benadryl sounds like a solid plan. A Garmin in reach would also be a good idea if you don't already carry one.

 

[Fowl Play]

My sister has something called exercise induced anaphylaxis. It took years to figure out what was going on. She can eat nuts, citrus, many other things with no issues, but if she eats them and then works out or jogs within a couple hours, she will go into full blown anaphylactic shock and throat will close up.

It hit her in her teens unexpectedly, she would have died if a neighbor did not happen to see her passed out on the side of the road during a jog and an ambulance did not happen to be very close by. She would have been dead in minutes.

She wears an arm band or belt with 2 EpiPens at all times and a medi-alert bracelet.

 

[teamwhitebelly]

do epi pens need a prescription or can any joe shmo get one? would like to add this to my backcountry first aid kit

 

[Laelkhunter]

I react to seafood (shellfish) sometimes. I get hives really bad, and pop some Benadryl as soon as I feel it coming on. Then sometimes I get hives for no reason at all. So far the Benadryl has worked. I carry 5 or 6 25 mg tablets in a small ziplock in my back pocket no matter where I go. Question is, if you use an Epi pen, do you have to seek medical attention also?? Even if the Epi pen works and the symptoms subside, I was told you still have to go seek medical attention. Wasn't told this by a Medical professional, but was wondering what Epi pen users have been told. Are they available by prescription only?

 

[Oakman]

H1 and H2 blockers
Epi

Oral Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi

Typically what we do
First line is Epi

I second this regimen.

Oral Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi

And, if you can add hydrocortisone that will be fantastic. please consult with your physician, it’s a systematic response (reaction), and based on what you’ve described, it’s definitely wise to hunt with a buddy (or buddies) who know how to use Epipen.

Good luck out there, and stay safe!

 

[Nicaburns]

do epi pens need a prescription or can any joe shmo get one? would like to add this to my backcountry first aid kit

Yes, they require a prescription but can be had for around $110 for two of them

 

[Ferrulewax]

H1 and H2 blockers
Epi

Oral Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi

Typically what we do
First line is Epi

I third this

 

[Jmort1754]

I second this regimen.

Oral Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi

And, if you can add hydrocortisone that will be fantastic. please consult with your physician, it’s a systematic response (reaction), and based on what you’ve described, it’s definitely wise to hunt with a buddy (or buddies) who know how to use Epipen.

Good luck out there, and stay safe!

Yes, worst case 40-60 of oral prednisone.

 

[Laelkhunter]

deleted by Laelkhunter

 

[Laelkhunter]

Oral Pepcid

+1 on the oral Pepcid…

Oral Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi

Pepcid is Famotidine which is an acid reducer. What does it do to help with an allergic reaction?

 

[Nicaburns]

Pepcid is Famotidine which is an acid reducer. What does it do to help with an allergic reaction?

Not a doctor but Acid production is histamine response in the stomach and Pepcid is an antihistamine

 

[Jmort1754]

Pepcid is Famotidine which is an acid reducer. What does it do to help with an allergic reaction?

H2 blocker - histamine 2
H1 blocker Benadryl histamine 1

Neither should delay use of epi but should be or can be considered after first line treatment completed.

 

[MTN Humper]

No matter what you use for a reaction, make sure whoever you are hunting with knows where it is in your pack, pocket or wherever you keep it. You may not be able to communicate effectively in an emergency. Them knowing where it is may save your life.

 

[Laelkhunter]

One last stupid question, is there a major difference in the "oral" Pepcid and the Pepcid tablets? It's easier to carry the tablets "in case" you need them than carrying liquid.