Carrying an Epi-pen...

[jenny-d]

I was wondering if anyone has had the experience of carrying an Epi-pen with them around WDW? My DD6 has a severe peanut allergy and requires the Epi-pen to be with her at all times. My concern is that the manufacturer recommends that it remain at room temperature (not exposed to heat or cold). My plan was to bring it in a small collapsable cooler but then I read that it isn't supposed to be cold either! So I'm kind of stumped as to how I'm going to take it with us safely. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[tripletrouble]

One of my sons also has a severe peanut allergy. When we went to WDW last year, we had no problems at all. We had a doctor's note that we carried with us incase we were questioned at the airport, but it was not a problem.

We have a small nylon camera case that I keep in my purse, which holds his EpiPen, Benadryl and medicine dispenser. When we were at WDW, we just put this case inside a small backpack that we used for our cameras and everything was fine.

We're going to Disney again in April and plan to do the same thing again.
Missy

 

[laughinplace199]

DD also has severe peanut allergy. I asked the allergist about carrying the Epi-Pen around in the hot Florida sun and he said it was fine. I did buy a carrying case that hold two Epi-Pens, which I keep in my purse. You might want to call your allergist and ask his/her opinion.

 

[marlynnp]

same here ~ I just kept it in my bag along with the prescription info. No one checking bags at the parks even commented on it.

 

[rlovew]

If your doctor says it is a problem you could have it kept inside at the first aid station but that would mean dropping it off in the mornings and going back if you needed it. I would just make sure you duck into stores from time to time and sit inside instead of outside at restraunts. The rides are air conditioned and at cool enough temps to cool the pen back down fairly quickly.

 

[LoveWDW]

I wonder if it would fit in a thermos. If it is wrapped to keep it from rattling around, the thermos might help keep it from getting too warm or cold?

 

[dlrhine]

You'll be fine just carrying it around as is. We have a DD also with a sever Peanut allergy and we've been doing this for over 2 years. You'll be able to just keep it in a purse or backpack and be fine. We go to WDW 3 times a year Sept, Dec, and either April or May, and never had a problem. It gets hot but being out of the sunlight helps keep the epi-pens cool enough.

 

[Selket]

Don't leave it at First-Aid! It won't do you any good there if you need it since it needs to be given so quickly if there is a reaction.

We carry the epi-pen in our bag - DH and I wear sling bags that we just keep on all day. One of us keeps the epi-pens and other needed medical supplies (DS is also diabetic) in that.

I haven't tried this Frio case but you might take a look - many diabetics use it to keep their insulin cool and it activated with just water: http://coolerconcept.com/pages/vittravelcase.htm You could always contact them and ask if they know if an epi-pen would fit.

 

[welovedis]

I carry my Epi-Pen around all the time with me and had it on vacation in the Caribbean when I needed it. The temps were around 100-105 for our entire trip and I honestly did not keep it refridgerated the whole time. I came in contact with some egg product and had an immediate anaphylactic reaction. My DH got it out of my bag and injected me, helped out right away so I know the meds were fine.

HTH!

 

[ruttie]

We carry around the epipen junior 2 pak and it comes in a really nice 2 container case. I do not carry the box but the 2 tubes fit perfect in my purse. I live in florida and I just keep the epipen in my purse carry it everywhere when we go to disney i carry a backpack purse and i have the repiphen along with benadryl wih me at all times....

 

[WantToGoNow]

If it is inside of a bag and shielded from the direct sunlight it should be fine. The pen states that it should be kept between 59-86 degrees so if the sun is not directly on it it shouldn't reach that temperature. I was told that you can check to see if it's still good by the coloring -- the liquid inside should be clear not yellowish. My ds4 has an EpiPen Jr. for a Latex allergy and we keep it and Benadryl Fastmelts on hand at all times. I agree with the pp about storing it at the First Aid center - don't do this. If your child would need it, you don't have time to run across a theme park to get it. I get my son's filled at CVS and it comes in a very nice tube with a screw on lid with his prescription label directly on the tube -- it's sturdy enough to throw into my purse or bag. I keep the Benadryl Fastmelts in a small container hooked to my key chain so I can always get to them quickly (like the time he stuck a sticker on his face in the car and I didn't discover it for 10 minutes -- his face was purple under the sticker from the glue).

 

[Priorityonecb]

You've gotten great advice. I've taken our daughters epi-pen Jr (peanut allergy) with us to all vacations destinations. I just keep it in my purse along with Benadryl fast melts. Her allergist said this was just fine. Ours are labeled with her info, and she wears her medical alert bracelet at all times as well. We've never had a problem with security at any park or airlines for that matter.

 

[jenny-d]

thanks to all of you who replied to my question! It sounds like carrying the epi pen in the parks won't be a problem after all.

 

[stephbillalec]

Hmm, my DD3 is PA also. A few of you mentioned that you carry Benedryl Fast Melt. Her allergist has me bring liquid Benedryl as he says it gets into the system quicker. I would think that if G-d forbid, she was having a reaction, the fast melts would be easier to get in her. Any thoughts?

 

[jenny-d]

I also carry the liquid benadryl for the same reason. I know people who carry the fast melts too--so I don't know if there is a right answer...

 

[Stephres]

Just wanted to chime in that a friend of mine has a severe milk allergy and carries her epi-pen around everywhere. And we live in Florida so it is in heat at times. I remember once we almost had to use it on her at the beach because her husband gave her a sandwich with cheese on it. Fortunately she spit it out before swallowing and took a benadryll and was fine.

I would check with your daughter's doctor for confirmation though. Have a happy trip!

 

[Priorityonecb]

My dd's allergist likes the fast melts better than liquid because they can be given within seconds. It takes longer to open the bottle of liquid, syringe the proper amount (while terrified!!) and administer. In the case of anaphylaxis...seconds count. That is his theory anyway.

 

[stacieps]

DS's allergist recommends liquid Benedryl over fast melts - I think she said something about the liquid coating as it is swallowed. We carry 2 small bottles with individual doses so we don't have to worry about measuring - just open and drink what is in the bottle.

 

[tatooed goofy]

I carried my epipen all around in August at Disney. It was really hot and had no problem. I have severe bee allergy so I needed it on my person. It was just fine. You will be too. Have a great trip.

 

[DizneeCM]

Hi, I'm a pharmacist and also the mom of two sons with asthma. While they don't need Epipens, they do have to carry inhalers that must be kept in a certain temperature range. My suggestion is to use a small, insulated bag (such as an insulated lunch bag), but don't put any ice or a re-freezable ice pack in it. That way, the Epipen is protected from the extreme heat, but you aren't cooling it off either. Also, do as everyone else has said, and be sure to keep the bag out of the sun.