Allergies come in all shapes and sizes ...

This is a very frightening article on what could happen to someone experiencing anaphylaxis on an airplane flight. If you have a known food allergy you most likely carry your own epinephrine auto-injector device, but if it’s a first time allergic reaction you will have to hope someone on the plane has one and will lend it to you. Otherwise there would need to be a doctor or nurse on the plane who knows how to administer epinephrine with a vial and syringe, and as this article testifies, even allergists were unsure of what the dosage should be according to someone’s age. We are all for efforts to require airlines to stock EAI devices just like they do automatic electronic defibrillators (AED).

Opinion: Airlines Need to Get Serious About Food Allergies and In-Flight Auto-Injectors

By Lianne Mandelbaum
July 24, 2018
This article is from the Summer 2018 Allergic Living magazine.

Kellie Hopkins was buckled in for the plane ride on February 27 and about to watch a movie when she heard the public address announcement; the flight crew were asking for help from a medical professional.

Hopkins, a nurse, rushed from her seat and was soon attending to Luca, a 10-year-old from New York City, who had eaten one cashew. Though his mom, Francine Ingrassia, had never known her son to have a food allergy, Luca quickly began to experience chest pain, stomach pain and increased difficulty breathing.

Read the article here.

 

At long last, a potentially less expensive epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) device may be available to consumers very soon. TEVA Pharmaceuticals has received US government approval for a generic version of the Epi-Pen^TM originally made and marketed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Additional generic devices are on their way as well. The existing market for EAI devices is very large; different brands competing against each other could lead to lower prices. Our association fully supports any and all efforts aimed at better regulating healthcare costs for all Americans.

FDA approves first generic Epi-Pen^TM in blow to Mylan

 

FDA approves TEVA generic version of the Epi-Pen^TM

By Nathan Bomey
USA TODAY
Aug. 16, 2018

The EpiPen is getting a fresh dose of competition.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved what it described as the first official generic version of the EpiPen, a life-saving treatment for severe allergic reactions.

The generic device's seller, Teva Pharmaceuticals, is a rival to drug maker Mylan's brand-name version.

Read the article here.

 

It’s always nice when an NFL head coach takes time from his busy schedule to help bring attention to food allergies. Last year the NFL had a “My Cause, My Cleats” program where players and coaches customized a pair of sneakers to bring attention to a cause. Coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills chose food allergies on behalf of his children, and eight-year old allergy-sufferer Jared Saiontz wrote to thank him. Jared had the thrill of his life when he was invited to the Bills’ training camp at St. John Fisher and met Coach McDermott as well as owner Terry Pegula and several players. Thanks Jared and Coach McDermott for bringing attention to this important cause!

Coach of NFL Buffalo Bills Raises Food Allergy Awareness

By Claire Carpenter
July 27th, 2018

McDermott inspires young fan

For the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative last season, Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott sought to raise awareness for food allergies - a cause that hits home for him and his family. To show his support, McDermott customized his own pair of sneakers, hoping to make a difference by advancing the conversation. While he may not have known it at the time, McDermott achieved that and much more. 

Read the article here.