Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that can be induced by allergens such as food, medication and insect stings. Current guidelines recommend epinephrine as first-line treatment of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine auto-injectors are recommend for patients to carry to those who are at risk. Studies have shown that patients and caregivers sometimes incorrectly […]
Auvi-Q 0.1 mg for infants and toddlers
Auvi-Q 0.1 mg is being used for children weighing 16.5 to 33 pounds. In a previous post we discussed this when it first came out. Auvi-Q 0.1 mg dose approved for infants and children The Auvi-Q 0.1 mg has a smaller needle length and there is less risk of hitting a bone, which could result […]
Bethenny Frankel Suffers Allergic Reaction
Bethenny Frankel from the hit reality show, Real Housewives of New York, suffered what was reported an anaphylactic episode. In a previous season of her show, she had a reaction after eating fish, she has stated that she has a rare fish allergy. This most recent episode occurred after eating soup which contained fish in […]
When multiple epinephrine doses are needed for food anaphylaxis
Multiple epinephrine dosages are sometimes need for anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction. Intramuscular epinephrine is the recommended treatment in the the setting of anaphylaxis and the current recommendation is for patients to carry 2 doses of self-injectable epinephrine. Previous studies have evaluated food-induced allergic reactions that require multiple epinephrine injections in […]
Pectin Allergy, a potential hidden food allergen
Pectin allergy is not very common, but it can be a source of allergy for patients sensitive to cashew and pistachio. Food allergy is estimated to affect 6-8% of children in the United states and it is associated with a risk of anaphylaxis. Despite avoidance to culprit foods, hidden allergens can be a source of […]
Are Two EpiPens Really Necessary?
Having two epipens has become more difficult for patients due to recent shortages, rising prices and manufacturing difficulties. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal allergy symptoms with a rapid onset. Anaphylaxis affects both adults and children and it can occur up to 2% of the population. Among pediatrics, the […]
Food Allergy Management in Schools
Food allergy management has become an important issue with the rise of food allergies in the world. Food allergy affects up to 8% of school age children and management has become a major public health issue. Consensus guidelines recommend that all students at risk for anaphylaxis due to food allergy have an individualized emergency action […]
AR101 a Potential Peanut Allergy Cure
AR101 is currently being studied by Aimmune Therapeutics to induce desensitization in peanut allergic subjects. The peanut treatment, AR101, passed through phase 2 trials in 2016, protecting 100% of patients who ate 443 mg of peanuts (1.5 peanuts), 90% of those who ate 1,043 mg (3 peanuts) and 60% who ate 2,043 mg (7 peanuts). A single […]
Epinephrine Prescriptions after Anaphylaxis
National guidelines recommend that patients with anaphylaxis be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (i.e. EpiPen) and referred to an allergy specialist. In this study we look at what percentage of patients are given epinephrine injectors and referred to see an allergy doctor upon discharge from the emergency room after an anaphylaxis episode. Anaphylaxis is a life […]
Auvi-Q 0.1 mg dose approved for infants and children
Auvi-Q 0.1 mg dose was recently approved by the FDA for infants and small children weighing 16.5-33 pounds. Currently there are only 2 dosages on the market for injectable epinephrine, 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg. The 0.3 mg dose is for anyone over 66 pounds and 0.15 mg for anyone below it. There was an […]