Everyone here seems to prefer the EPI PEN to the Ana kit, however I feel the opposite. The Ana kit, is the same medication in a syringe form. Last year I took the old Epi and injected it into an orange for practice. I almost had tears in my eyes after I saw the size of the needle and force of the injection. I know many people would be equally as sqirmish around a syringe, however if I was going to self-inject or inject my PA daughter I would go for the Ana. Just my 2 cents.. btw, I always order both. The Anna is also smaller and I can carry it in my wallet.
I have never had to self inject. The best advice my allergist gave me once is go sit in the Emergency Department and if you are going to inject do it there so if anything goes wrong you will be nearby for help. It's usually over an hour before serious symptoms set in for me, difficulty breathing, so I would much prefer to have the nurse give me the shot.
The size and pain from the EpiPen needle would not stop me from using it on my son. I have used it once and while I was sorry my son had a shot site, I was very relieved to see his symptoms clear up in a few minutes. I am comfortable with the EpiPen and would not switch. The pain from a shot is well worth the protection- whether it's polio, DPT, or a severe food reaction.
I believe that the beauty of the epi is that there is no exposed needle prior to injection. This would make it easier for both myself and my pa son should I need to use it. As far as injecting in the emergency room, my allergist advised that I inject immediately, as every second lost before administration of the epi may prove fatal. In my sons case, he reacts within two minutes after ingestion.
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Hi, I just wanted to put in my opinion. While I understand your point abut the fact that the shape of the Ana-kit is easier to carry, let's say in your purse, it is also easier to misplace in there too. But totally besides the point is that the Ana-kit is harder to use by most lay people. It is hard enough to get caretakers, teachers and others to accept giving the drug, regardless of the delivery method. Having most people confronted with an Ana-kit, which is longer to administer and looks like the syringe that it is, makes people nervous. The advantage of the epi is exactly that, it's strong and capable of being injected through a pair of jeans. It requires little advance planning to administer and can be administered by the patient quickly and effectively should the need arise. The Ana-kit is harder to self administer remember. The other thing is that while is does include antihistamine dosing, they are in chewable form, and the recommended version of antihistamine, post epi, is liquid, because it is more easily absorbed. The other thing is most people don't remember the pain of the epi when they feel better. Just a thought.
We carry both and after a malfunction with the Epi a few years ago we will always carry both. I too like the Ana Kit it fits in my pocket or the side zipper inside my purse so I know where it is. My son takes 2 Epi Pens with him at all times in case he needs them both before he can get medical help or one does not wok. I personally like the Ana better myself. If you have to use it you know the medication went in and it is a double loaded syringe so you have the second dose ready to give. I think it is a choice of what you and the child feel comfortable with. My son, husband, school, and the grandparents would use Epi and I would use the Ana kit and two other relatives whom are in the medical profession would also. Just always make sure you have one or the other and other meds needed. You never know when it might happen.
Thanks for the replies. I think I also prefer having both. I understand that most lay people feel more comfortable with the Epi, however I am still concerned with the force of the impact of the Epi. I mean if it can penetrate jeans... there has to be quite a impact. Of course any impact or bruising is minor compared to anaphylaxis. However we do have a choice.
Can any adults who have used the Epi on themselves comment on this?
Hi again, I have spoken to a few adults who have used it on themselves,(epi) and they all commented on how they had a hard time because they were without strength at the time of the reaction. They were glad that they hadn't waited too long. There are also a few documented cases where the patient didn't have the strengh to give themselves the epi so a) thankfully there was another person there or b) some people have died because they couldn't do it. Not a great thought. That's one of the reasons I try to train as many people as I can to use the epi. They may end up saving a life.