Epi-pens

mine are almost out of date so I ordered new ones from the GP no problem there but the new ones have under a year until they are out of date should I take them back or do they only have a very short shelf life?

Bex

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Hi Bex

Mine have always had a short life span so thinks thats quite normal, I have a few scattered around in different places as dont often carry bags due to a bad arm/shoulder and so set reminders on-line with the company and they send you e-mails before it expires so it reminds me to order a repeat prescription in time.

Smowy

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Hi Bex

Mine have always had a short life span so thinks thats quite normal, I have a few scattered around in different places as dont often carry bags due to a bad arm/shoulder and so set reminders on-line with the company and they send you e-mails before it expires so it reminds me to order a repeat prescription in time.

Smowy

[KateMoss]

The Anaphylaxis Campaign urges people NOT to accept epipens with an expiry date of Less than a year!

Please get them changed and if possible get same dates. I have 4 and they are just over a year now with two expiry dates between them.

You should be able to get them with 18 months on.

What expiry dates do they have Bex??

For one reason, you should have at leat a year especially as some people pay for them and having to re pay for something you may not use in a year is not very good.

Another means that you don't have to worry about them - mark your callender for the expiry date - or December pop in the date for 2010.

Kate

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11/09 and 12/09

Bex

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Could I possible be nosey and ask what epi-pens are used for its just ive noticed a few people on the forum use them and I am just curious? is it for brittle asthmatics or is it for allergy related things???? thankyou for your help. xxx

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hi kerry anne- i use mine for a severe latex allergy-you wouldnt believe the things that contain the evil stuff! Xx

[KateMoss]

Bex, get them changed if poss!

Kerry, Many use them for anaphylaxis and a very few of us have them prescribed for Brittle type 2 asthma as a last resort.... though very life saving!

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I am like kit-kat use the epi-pens for severe latex and wasp allergies.... luckily not for the asthma... my last lot had an expiry date of just over the year....

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I am not convinced the time I was given an adrenalin by the paramedics it made any difference. However I do have an anaphylatic reaction to shell fish and iodene which I argued for years I could avoid and there was no need for another accessory however, it was pointed out that it could not do me anymore harm during an attack and surely it would not hurt and my reaction to shell fish was significant enoughI have relucantly agreed to carry one (well several dotted around). If your consultant thought it was appropriate you would have been advised to get one. At one time they were being handed out lollipops by Dr's but these days they are a bit more sensible.

Bex

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I have epi-pens for my various allergies/sensitivities including food colourings and salicylate sensitivity, however I also have idiopathic anaphylaxis and chronic idiopathic urticaria which can cause my mouth and throat to swell so my epi-pens really are my life line.

I always try to make sure that they have more than a year before expiry when I get them from the chemist. Unfortunately they rarely go out of date on me but usually are effective if I have to use them, though occasionally I need to use two or have extra adrenalin in a + e. Thankfully now my salicylate sensitivity has been diagnosed I have far less allergic reactions even if they are a pain to avoid. Bex I think I fit the title of guest from hell too!

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Adrenaline

Hi

I have 2 anapens on prescription which i renew annually. I have them for severe allergies to nuts and shellfish. I have had to self administer adrenaline using the anapen and found it fairly easy as long as it is done whilst i still have my faculties about me. Depending on others to administer seems to be a bit ""hit and miss"".

Pinky