Conquering Allergies
Treatments
Epinephrine & EpiPens
Epinephrine is one of the most researched drugs and is more importantly, the only medication for anaphylaxis that works for the entire body, multi-system, and multi-organ.
Epinephrine is a naturally occurring ligand of adrenergic receptors. The drug works because it causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels), reduces edema of the nasal mucosa (swelling in the lining of the nose), and increases blood pressure. While increased blood pressure and constriction may sound bad, in the moment of anaphylaxis, epinephrine causes the muscles and lungs to relax, allowing the person to breathe.
Why EpiPens?
EpiPen is the brand name for the injectable device that delivers you the drug epinephrine. This medication is used when someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
EpiPens offer a relatively simple auto-injectable method to quickly deliver Epinephrine to the patient. Even with access to this life-saving medication, it is often used incorrectly. Although EpiPens come with instructions for use, many can administer it incorrectly and end up stabbing their thumbs instead of the patient’s thigh. Besides the process of using an EpiPen, they often just go unused entirely.
Importance of Storing EpiPens
EpiPens have their downfalls, they aren’t particularly shelf-stable, and will easily degrade in temperature too high or too low. They also expire in around 12-18 months. It is important to not only have the EpiPen on hand, but to also store them in the recommended environment and to switch them out when necessary.
Upcoming Novel Treatments
The Epinephrine Nasal Spray is an upcoming alternative for treating anaphylaxis. The innovation is hoping to to be smaller and provide an easier way of delivering Epinephrine to the patient through their nasal pathway. This combats the hesitation to use an EpiPen because of the needle and makes it more convenient to carry around.
The Nasal Spray has shown to be just as affective as the EpiPen. In a short time, the nasal spray may replace the EpiPen as the main distributed and utilized method of delivering Epinephrine. There are many brands that are going through clinical trials right now. Some are already working on a new drug application.