Anaphylaxis and Epi Pens

One of the most important things to remember if you suspect your student is having an anaphylactic reaction is to remain calm.  KEEP YOUR STUDENT STILL!!!  I cannot stress this enough.   Never have your student walk to the office or anywhere if you suspect a reaction.  Movement will exacerbate a reaction as it causes the allergen to move quicker through their body.  The nurses office has a stock supply of epinephrine, both for children and adults. The lunch room at each campus may have a stock supply as well. 

Epipen is the most common type of treatment for an allergic reaction. There is a newer type called Avui-Q.  Avui-Q is the same medication. The only difference is the way the delivery device looks AND that it is automated!  It's actually pretty cool. As soon as the cap comes off it will give you audio instructions on how to deliver the medication. We have practice EpiPens and Auvi-Q's if you'd like to see them. Please let us know. 

Remember.....when in doubt......use EpiPen or Auvi-Q. If you aren't sure your student is having an allergic reaction, it is better to use it and be wrong, than not use it and be wrong. It will not harm or do damage if you administer it and they didn't need it. It might make their heart beat faster but it's always better to give it. 

If EpiPen or Auvi-Q is used, call 9-1-1.  Many time the student having a reaction will require more than one dose. It has a very short half-life and it may wear off before the symptoms are truly gone. They need to be monitored after it is given.