Heather in Neverland Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 (edited) Update on #31 It's been 6 weeks since we got the peanut allergy diagnosis and we were doing so well. Until today. :glare: He had a soccer game and as dh and I were walking up, I see ds eating a bag of trail mix that the coach had passed out to all the kids. I ran up to ds and said, "does that have PEANUTS in it???" His eyes got very wide and he said, "I forgot!" So he is now covered in huge hives and doped up on Benadryl and I am watching him for any further issues. It's been several hours since he ate them so I am hoping if the reaction was going to be anything more than hives it would have happened by now. Right?? On top of that, Malaysia banned Epipens last March! I can get Xanax over the counter but I can't get an epipen!!!! He is only 8yo and this peanut allergy life is still new to all of us so I guess accidents happen but when any exposure could range from hives to life threatening, it sure makes life nerve-racking. . Edited October 20, 2012 by Heather in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: How scary -- I hope he's OK, Heather!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 :grouphug: How the heck does a country BAN epipens? What's the rationale for that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkacademy Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 It's been 6 weeks since we got the peanut allergy diagnosis and we were doing so well. Until today. :glare: He had a soccer game and as dh and I were walking up, I see ds eating a bag of trail mix that the coach had passed out to all the kids. I ran up to ds and said, "does that have PEANUTS in it???" His eyes got very wide and he said, "I forgot!" So he is now covered in huge hives and doped up on Benadryl and I am watching him for any further issues. It's been several hours since he ate them so I am hoping if the reaction was going to be anything more than hives it would have happened by now. Right?? On top of that, Malaysia banned Epipens last March! I can get Xanax over the counter but I can't get an epipen!!!! He is only 8yo and this peanut allergy life is still new to all of us so I guess accidents happen but when any exposure could range from hives to life threatening, it sure makes life nerve-racking. . So what do you do now? I mean that is pretty important is there something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I'm so sorry. I hope he is just fine when the hives are over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 :grouphug: Can you get the epinephrin that is manually drawn into a syringe (in other words pre-epipen technology)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 On top of that, Malaysia banned Epipens last March! I can get Xanax over the counter but I can't get an epipen!!!! Can you order them from the States? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 Can you order them from the States? From what I have read, you need a prescription in the states to get one but not in Canada. So now I am wondering if I can get one from Canada and how do I get it here? This is so stressful. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjpeter Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 :grouphug:How the heck does a country BAN epipens? What's the rationale for that? That's exactly what I was thinking. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 But if they're banned (which still boggles my brain) wouldn't you get in trouble for important a banned/illegal substence? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Wait. Have they banned the pen itself or the epinephrine? The pen is convienent as heck but I don't see how they would have banned epinephrine. In that case, you just take a syringe and a needle every where you go, like people had to do for years. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I don't know that this is the most reliable source (and I couldn't find anything else) but according to this, they aren't actually banned. There just isn't a distributor. So if you have a way for someone/ a doctor etc. to send it to you, it wouldn't be illegal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 But if they're banned (which still boggles my brain) wouldn't you get in trouble for important a banned/illegal substence? Ugh. Yes. I am probably being irrational right now. I am just upset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 I don't know that this is the most reliable source (and I couldn't find anything else) but according to this, they aren't actually banned. There just isn't a distributor. So if you have a way for someone/ a doctor etc. to send it to you, it wouldn't be illegal. That is interesting! His doctor said "you cannot get epipens in this country." Maybe they aren't actually banned, just not sold here??? So... Maybe I CAN order them from Canada? . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I hope you can order them, but be warned that the drug (unfortunately) degrades fairly quickly when exposed to heat. It might not be that great an idea to get them through the mail. Though I suppose airmail would be fine...I don't know. :grouphug: I'm so sorry, that's terrifying. My own daughter has a peanut allergy too and the learning curve is very steep and scary. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aug17girl Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Have you thought about calling your embassy? They might have suggestions on the best way to get an epipen to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I would ask the Dr what they use for severe anaphylactic reactions. I mean, if someone needs it, what do they use instead??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Ordering from over-seas is tricky because of their sensitivity to heat/cold/light. Yikes. If I understood that article correctly even your hospitals would no longer have them. Anaphylactic kid here...I'd have to move. Actually, I think I would talk to the doctor about other ways to carry and deliver epinepherine for him (syringe, etc.) If I couldn't find a way to protect my child's life I would have to move. Seriously. That situation is terrifying. Particularly since I imagine there is a lot of potential peanut exposure over there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsbaby Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 If I couldn't get my hands on an epi-pen (dd is tree nut/peanut allergic), I would need to buy a ton of that OTC Xanax!!! That would cause my anxiety to skyrocket! I hope you get something figured out soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissad2 Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 :grouphug:How the heck does a country BAN epipens? What's the rationale for that? :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Heather, I hope he's OK! I know how you feel. :grouphug: Do keep watching him for the next 48 hours or so. From what I have read, you need a prescription in the states to get one but not in Canada. So now I am wondering if I can get one from Canada and how do I get it here? This is so stressful. . You need a Rx to get Epi-Pens in Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 So what did the Dr. tell you to use instead or how to get them? Did you ask? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 That is interesting! His doctor said "you cannot get epipens in this country." Maybe they aren't actually banned, just not sold here??? So... Maybe I CAN order them from Canada? I have a relative who used to carry around a pre-epipen syringe in a little hard case. Can you get that one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cammie Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Here is an article on the sale of epipens in Malaysia: Looks like they are not banned but also not available. The writer found a hospital willing to help her get them. Sounds like a good route for you if you can track down someone willing to help. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Hope he is doing o.k. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I can get Xanax over the counter but I can't get an epipen!!!! . Oh my heaven. That's ridiculous. I'm praying for your ds. Probably the initial reaction is as bad as it will get, but keep an eye on him. :grouphug: Why would they not be available for those who need them? :confused: (Never mind, read the article. :glare:) I hope you manage to get an Epi-pen from somewhere. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 :grouphug: You do carry benedryl everywhere, right? We carry epipens, but have never had to use them b/c the benedrl has always kicked it quickly. Is your ds on a daily anti-histamine like zyrtec or claritin? Those provide a small buffer when taken daily. (They are NOT for quick treatment in a reaction - that is what benedryl is for. You probably know that, but for anyone else reading...) I do think it's almost easier when the child turns up with these allergies early b/c they learn from a young age to always ask, "Does this contain nuts?" before eating snacks given by anyone but mom. That has to be difficult to start at age 8.:sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Oh Heather!! That has to be scary. I know you'll keep an eye on him, hopefully he'll just get better from here. I can't believe they don't have Epipens there... hopefully you can find a source for one. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 :grouphug:How the heck does a country BAN epipens? What's the rationale for that? Oh, heather!!! Praying he is okay and you all can relax. Now, that Xanax info is quite interesting!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Oh, my gosh! I think my heart stopped while reading this, and I know my blood pressure shot up! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I hope you find something you can carry that is stronger than benadryl. I'm glad his reaction wasn't worse. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share Posted October 20, 2012 Just got off the phone with his allergist. He said you can no longer get epipens anywhere in Singapore or Malaysia. I asked him what am I supposed to do if this happens again but worse? What do other people do? There are little doctor clinics in every neighborhood here. He said that by law they have to have adrenaline injections in stock. So if it happens I am to drive him to the nearest clinic for the injection then drive him to the nearest hospital for further treatment. He also said "You have to get epipens from the US." :glare: How am I supposed to do that without a prescription and while living HERE???? One bit of good news. We have an epipen in the nurse's office on campus. Just one of them. But that is pretty accessible since I have the key. But that is not as quick as having one with me wherever we go and not sure what we will do once that one expires. He slept through the night well ( he should... He had enough benedryl in him!) but the hives were still pretty nasty this morning. Poor thing. This peanut allergy thing sucks even worse than I thought it would. Not having access to the things I need in an emergency is pretty upsetting. thank you all for the advice and encouragement. :grouphug: . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DusksAngel Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merry Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Maybe a relative can get a doctor to prescribe one for you in the States. Or do you know anyone with allergies in the States? They could get an extra and send you one. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I would call your old dr in the states and explain the situation to them. A doctor that you used to have an ongoing relationship with may be willing to prescibe it for you. If they will call a script into me into my Washington pharmacy, I will mail it to you. A twin pack costs about $200-$250 :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 (edited) Heather, can you impress upon your son that he cannot eat anything anyone gives him outside of you or your husband? My 8 year old follows that here though he's been doing it for years now. I think it is much safer than depending on a child to ask if something is safe and, of course, depending on the adult giving the item to know if it is actually safe. Maybe this hive reaction (poor kid) can help him remember. Edited October 20, 2012 by sbgrace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eloquacious Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 My son had a hazelnut exposure while we were traveling in Germany. Thankfully, we had an epipen... unfortunately, it ripped a giant gash in his leg when he yanked it away and I was unable to stop him. SOOO we had to pay a visit to my childhood doctor, and it turns out that they don't recommend epipens either. He gave us a prescription for... get this... suppositories. They are called InfectoCortiKrupp. Say what now? Main ingredient: Prednisolonacetat ... or Prednisone Acetate? Not sure what it would be called in English. Allegedly it is also very fast-acting and would be used in any allergic exposure. I didn't have cause to use them (Thank God) while we were still there, and we have more epipens at home, so now I'm just carrying it around. But it was SUPER cheap (our epipen was $225 for 2!) and if they work... much easier to administer. Gross, but easier. Ask your local doctor what he or she would recommend. ETA: Benadryl "did it" the first few times we used it, but we are way past that now. Our doctor said that any subsequent exposure (we have all nuts except almonds, and peanuts) gets worse, because the body has been primed by the earlier exposures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 How the heck does a country BAN epipens? What's the rationale for that? :iagree: That makes no sense. I'm sorry to hear this happened to your son, Heather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eloquacious Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 So. The only English-Language "literature" I can find about prednisolone and anaphylaxis calls for it to be used AFTER epinephrine... so who knows. Both the doctor and the pharmacist recommended it, though. Perhaps this was just because they knew I had already given epinephrine? http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000844.htm http://www.wildmed.com/blog/using-prednisone-post-anaphylactic-reaction/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirth Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 This peanut allergy thing sucks even worse than I thought it would. Not having access to the things I need in an emergency is pretty upsetting. thank you all for the advice and encouragement. :grouphug: :grouphug::grouphug: If it is possible for your doc to write you a script for epinephrine in a vial and a sterile syringe, I would ask for several of those right way. Maybe you can get Epipens from Australia. Epipenephrine is the drug of choice to treat anaphylaxis, and I can't begin to imagine how Epipen scarcity must make you feel. (except more determined, of course) If you can get your son to put into words any early sensations (particularly in the airway) he felt before he or you saw actual hives, it may help him later identify emergent symptoms if this happens again when every second counts. More :grouphug:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twilight Woods Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I sent you a PM regard the Pens. Just got off the phone with his allergist. He said you can no longer get epipens anywhere in Singapore or Malaysia. I asked him what am I supposed to do if this happens again but worse? What do other people do? There are little doctor clinics in every neighborhood here. He said that by law they have to have adrenaline injections in stock. So if it happens I am to drive him to the nearest clinic for the injection then drive him to the nearest hospital for further treatment. He also said "You have to get epipens from the US." :glare: How am I supposed to do that without a prescription and while living HERE???? One bit of good news. We have an epipen in the nurse's office on campus. Just one of them. But that is pretty accessible since I have the key. But that is not as quick as having one with me wherever we go and not sure what we will do once that one expires. He slept through the night well ( he should... He had enough benedryl in him!) but the hives were still pretty nasty this morning. Poor thing. This peanut allergy thing sucks even worse than I thought it would. Not having access to the things I need in an emergency is pretty upsetting. thank you all for the advice and encouragement. :grouphug: . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dansamy Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Are epinephrine inhalers still available? He would have to know about an exposure to be able to inhale a good dose before his airway tightened too much I would think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 You can order them from Canada Drugs Online, just have your doctor in Malaysia write you a script. You can call them about how they ship but I would imagine it comes in a cooler with ice or something.http://www.canadadrugsonline.com/DrugMoreInfo6337.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: So scary. You are a great mom, Heather, and will find a way to keep your kiddo safe. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merry gardens Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I hope you can order them, but be warned that the drug (unfortunately) degrades fairly quickly when exposed to heat. It might not be that great an idea to get them through the mail. Though I suppose airmail would be fine...I don't know. :grouphug: I'm so sorry, that's terrifying. My own daughter has a peanut allergy too and the learning curve is very steep and scary. :( That might be one reasons they don't have them there. It might break down in some climates to the point of no longer being effective. Here's a link about the storage of epipens: http://www.epipen.com/about-epipen/storage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I am so sorry. That must be very upsetting. Do you know about the Benadryl strips? They can be dissolved under the tongue, so the Benadryl gets in the system faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisamarie Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Heather, can you impress upon your son that he cannot eat anything anyone gives him outside of you or your husband? :iagree: This is what we've done. My DS won't eat anything without having DH or I read the packaging or else him reading it. So he doesn't eat anything that doesn't come with an ingredient label (meaning no trail mix out of a baggie). Prednisone tablets would be a good thing to carry in your situation of no epipens. When my DS has had allergic reactions, my Dr. FIL comes over with 2 prednisone tablets that he has DS chew to get into his system faster. It isn't as fast as epinephrine, but it works. When we did have to use the epipen for the first time, afterwards the ER Rxed DS prednisone to take for 5 days afterward to counteract any residual reactions. So it's definitely used for life threatening allergies even in the US. Did your DS just get hives or did he get any respiratory symptoms? You wouldn't even use an epipen unless it hit his respiratory system--meaning difficulty breathing, tongue swelling up, trouble swallowing so he's drooling... Unless it hits his ability to breathe, benadryl is "good enough" to stop the reaction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share Posted October 20, 2012 :iagree: This is what we've done. My DS won't eat anything without having DH or I read the packaging or else him reading it. So he doesn't eat anything that doesn't come with an ingredient label (meaning no trail mix out of a baggie). Prednisone tablets would be a good thing to carry in your situation of no epipens. When my DS has had allergic reactions, my Dr. FIL comes over with 2 prednisone tablets that he has DS chew to get into his system faster. It isn't as fast as epinephrine, but it works. When we did have to use the epipen for the first time, afterwards the ER Rxed DS prednisone to take for 5 days afterward to counteract any residual reactions. So it's definitely used for life threatening allergies even in the US. Did your DS just get hives or did he get any respiratory symptoms? You wouldn't even use an epipen unless it hit his respiratory system--meaning difficulty breathing, tongue swelling up, trouble swallowing so he's drooling... Unless it hits his ability to breathe, benadryl is "good enough" to stop the reaction. That's good to know. I will ask the pharmacist if we can get prednisone. This is his second allergic reaction to peanuts. The first time it was pretty mild. Just an itchy rash. This time he has HUGE hives all over. He has not had respiratory issues...yet. But if his reaction is so much worse this time than the first, I am terrified of what it will be like if it happens again so I am trying to get prepared. My other worry is that it has been over 24 hours and the hives seem to be spreading and getting worse even though we have had him on Benadryl every 6 hours since it happened. Is that normal? The allergist here is less than helpful. :glare: . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 That's good to know. I will ask the pharmacist if we can get prednisone. This is his second allergic reaction to peanuts. The first time it was pretty mild. Just an itchy rash. This time he has HUGE hives all over. He has not had respiratory issues...yet. But if his reaction is so much worse this time than the first, I am terrified of what it will be like if it happens again so I am trying to get prepared. My other worry is that it has been over 24 hours and the hives seem to be spreading and getting worse even though we have had him on Benadryl every 6 hours since it happened. Is that normal? The allergist here is less than helpful. :glare: . I would go in. That is NOT a good sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I would go in. That is NOT a good sign. :iagree: I'm sorry Heather. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.