Allergies

[ELM]

Hello I have a nut allergy and whilst I am in complete control of it (well almost, my parents have given me food which she said did not have nuts in it and made me eat it even though I felt the reaction) and I know if I am eating or even near a nut because I get this feeling and then a slight tingle on my lips. But even though I should know this I was wandering how long epi-pens are usable for and if anyone knows what to do if you have an anaphalactic shock and you need something to stop your throat from closing but you dont have an indate epi-pen or none at all?

[tigs]

there was an article post from the American medical authority stating that most if not all medications lasted years past there use by dates

[TorNicho]

Penicillin for me...

[Moony]

Epi-pens have a BB date and the manufacturers have an alert system to remind you when your registered epi-pen is about to run out. Although many medications are safe to use after they have 'expired', this is a life critical medication and not something personally that I'd use out-of-date unless some sort of total breakdown had prevented me from accessing replacements. To ensure best use of the epi-pen follow the storage instructions which include keeping out of light (in the case) and away from extremes of temperature (refridgeration is not suitable storage). Also keep in mind that up to 20% of cases the patient may need a second dose, so it's best to keep 2 with you at all times.
Your best bet is actually to avoid the cause of your allergy, and your post suggests that you can tell easily if a food contains nuts, which might be all you can rely on come SHTF.
Anti-inflammitory medications (such as anti-histamine and some corticosteroids) will typically not help in an emergency situation as they are not designed to act in a short period where death can occur within minutes of exposure.

http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaphylaxi ... tment.aspx

[ELM]

Ok thank you

[JBird]

I've been told to check your epipen regularly by peeling back the label. The liquid should still be clear. If it turns milky or looks like it has bits in it has gone off and should be replaced.