Toting Epi Pens and Benadryl

[colleenfs]

Julia is allergic to peanuts, so although she's never had a reaction, I have to lug around 2 Epi Pens and a bottle of Benadryl in my bag everywhere we go...just in case...

It gets rather heavy to carry all of this around, essential as it is. Does anyone else here have to do this as well? Has anyone ever seen a small, sample sized bottle of Benadryl? I saw the new Benadryl meltaway strips, but I would imagine that if she really was having an anaphylactic reaction, the liquid would be easier to administer.

Any ideas to make the load a little lighter?

~Colleen
Mama to Julia 1-10-02
Baby GIRL! due 7-23-05
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[audball]

Does your pediatrician recommend carrying two Epi pens? The only reason why I ask is because we have only one - DS is 15 months old and allergic to nuts, egg, dairy, and strawberries, but his most severe reactions are to eggs and dairy...I was told to leave one at home and carry one.

Anyway, to answer your question, I have a small Timbuk2 accessories case (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/catalog/categories.t2?categoryId=27). I guess it's the medium size actually. It fits one Epi pen, one bottle of Children's Benedryl, a medicine dropper/dispenser, some band-aids, and a small pair of scissors (I'm always cutting straws shorter at restaurants!), nail clippers. I like how it has a clear, see-through cover, a very reliable zipper, and the medium is a bright red color - so any baby sitter or relative can find the bag, no matter where it is in my diaper bag.

I carry mine at all times, every time. I haven't found the need to really change too much of what I pack, other than adding this case. In other words, it hasn't affected my bad diaper bag addiction :)!

[TaChapm]

We carry 2 Epi Pens and Benadryl as well. I keep the melt aways in our bag so that the load is lighter but I haven't thought about him not being able to take them when having a severe allergic reaction. Now I am starting to think I need to carry the liquid. Our ped has given us a perscription for an allergy med like benadryl. I might ask her about writing it for a small amount so that the bottle is smaller to carry. I know this is not recommended but perhaps you could get an empty bottle of something like Infants Motrin and tear the label off and make a label with the contents and dose needed. It is a small bottle that is childproof but you would want to make sure it was labeled properly.

We were told to keep 2 Epi Pens with us at all times just in case we need to administer a second dose on the way to the hospital or something goes wrong with the first. Our ped. said that if it was just left in the diaper bag that it would always be with us because the bag would come in the house.
Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler William EDD 6-28-05
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[colleenfs]

I had thought of just pouring the Benadryl into a smaller bottle, but I worried about labeling, esp. if I was frantic and someone else had to administer it. I'm going to ask my pharmacist if they ever get sample or travel sizes of Benadryl.

I was also told to carry 2 Epi Pens, just in case. I have 2 that I left in Julia's preschool, 4 in the house, and 2 in the diaper bag. Now, we've never had a reaction, but better safe than sorry. (Just remembered that some of those pens expire in June, so I'd better get on the ball with refills.)

Since we've never had to deal with the Epis, which comes first, should she start to get hives or wheeze? One Epi, then Benadryl? Then another Epi if no change in a few minutes? Guess I'd better call the allergist to double check.

Thanks.

~Colleen
Mama to Julia 1-10-02
Baby GIRL! due 7-23-05
http://lilypie.com/baby4/020110/3/4/0/-5/.png

http://lilypie.com/days/050723/0/25/1/+10/.png

[zoethebeagle]

I also carry two epipens, benadryl, infant tylenol, a medicine dropper, various eczema cremes, nail clippers and medicine dosage instructions in my diaper bag. I've read scary stories about malfunctioning epipens and that is why they often recommend carrying two- one for a back up in case the first one doesn't work for some reason. Preschool, home and both grandparents also have two- I just always get the prescription for the Epipen Trainer Pack- it comes with the two epipens and a trainer (great for babysitters to practice with!)

My 16 month old son recently had a nasty reaction (over 200 hives) when he got a bottle of milk which he is very allergic to instead of soy milk. My pediatrician had tiny little bottles of Benadryl- they brought one in to give him. As soon as I saw them I asked for a handful to leave the office with (they gave me four!) I must confess that prior to that I did the trick with a washed out infant tylenol bottle- took off the label and made my own new label. I also always keep a little paper in my bag with the appropriate dosages for my 16 month old and my 3 1/2 year old (both have allergies). Definitely ask your pediatrician for the mini Benadryl bottles- I'm sure they have them and they are great!

I keep all that stuff in one of the cosmetic bags that came with my Chester Backpack. It fits nicely and the little bag is super cute. Then, when I switch diaper bags, I just throw the whole cosmetic bag in!

Good luck with the allergies!

Erika

[Andrea S]

I think you are OK with the meltaways. If they are having a bad reaction you could put the meltaways under their tongue instead of trying to get them to swallow liquid.

Andrea
mom to Andrew 8/14/02