Emergency Treatment of Allergic Reactions to Foods
There are currently two available auto-injectors (Twinject and Epipen) available on the market to help allergic individuals treat
their allergic reactions until emergency help arrives.  The main difference between the 2 devices is that the Twinject contains 2
doses of epinephrine in the device while the Epipen contains 1 dose.     You should use your injector as soon as symptoms
develop.  A shot with the EpiPen or Twinject given by yourself or a friend can slow down a severe reaction while you wait for
medical help to arrive.       You should always seek emergency care when a reaction occurs, so make sure to call 911 or have
someone drive you to the emergency room right away after using your epinephrine auto-injector.     

Facts About Food Allergic Reactions:
  • Fatal and near-fatal food allergic reactions usually occur away from the home after an unintentional ingestion of a food
    that the individual knew he/she was allergic to.  
who ate candy or bakery products before finding out what the ingredients were.
  • The severity of the first reaction does not predict how future reactions will be.   While your first reaction to a food could have
    been mild, it does not mean that future reactions will also be mild - reactions are unpredictable and future ones could be
    very severe.
  • Studies demonstrate that the majority of fatal food allergic reactions occur in individuals with peanut and tree nut allergy
    who ate candy or bakery products before finding out what the ingredients were.    
  - Fatal allergic reactions have been reported with many other foods besides peanuts and tree nuts,
     so you need to be careful no matter what food you are allergic to!
  • Some allergic reactions are “bi-phasic”, meaning the reaction returns 4-8 hours after the initial reaction.  
  • A common cause of death is a delay in the administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) - don't be afraid to use it!  
  • Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec, are not as effective as epinephrine in counteracting allergic
    reactions.   

Tips to Remember:
  • Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you.  In fact, because 1 dose may not be enough, it is recommended that
    you carry 2 doses with you (1 Twinject or 2 Epipens) at all times.
  • Learn how to use your auto-injector before you have a reaction.  The time to learn is not when you are having symptom!  
  • Have a plan and teach your family, friends, and co-workers how to use the injectors in case you are not able to administer
    a dose yourself.
  • Don’t assume your child’s teacher, sitter, or caregiver knows how to use an epinephrine auto-injector—go through all the
    steps with them.
  • Do not delay in seeking help.   You should always seek emergency treatment (IE. Call 911) when you have an allergic
    reaction.
  • Get a medic alert (you can get medic alert bracelets from various places including MedicAlert,  911medalert, and
    American Medical ID) and don't forget to wear it!  
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