August is almost here and that means only about a month is left before the kiddos head back to school again. Before long it will be time to renew all of your child’s medications to be left at school including inhalers, Benadryl, and of course EpiPens! Does your child self carry their EpiPen while at school? My son started self-carrying both his EpiPen and his inhaler when he started second grade. Both he and I felt much more at ease knowing that his medication was on his body at all times. He wears one EpiPen in a MediPouch around his waist while the second EpiPen is kept in the nurses office. His inhaler is either worn in a Med Ready Tote or in a sealable pocket if he is wearing cargo-style shorts/jeans. Of course by no means is self-carrying the EpiPen the same thing as self-administering. Although now at age 10½ I do believe my son could self-administer the EpiPen if need be, adults should always be trained in what signs/symptoms to watch for and how to administer the medication. Having a child know how to administer an EpiPen is one thing, but being able to do it in the face of anaphylaxis is an entirely different matter!
If you are considering letting your child self-carry, you may be wondering what type of carrier to purchase. I’ve been keeping a running list of all EpiPen and asthma inhaler carriers as I find them on the web. I have not, however, checked to see if all of these carriers will be able to hold the newly designed EpiPens as they are slightly larger, so you will need to check into that yourself before placing an order. I hope this list will be helpful to you and your food allergic child as you gear up for the start of another school year!
EpiPen Carriers@RiskRescue
http://www.atriskrescue.com/kit.htmlAdorn handbag and messenger bag
http://www.adorndesigns.com/Allergy Haven
http://www.allergyhaven.com/c/epi-penAllergyKids
http://www.allergykids.com/product.php?proid=11&sub_catid=
AllergyPack
http://www.allergypack.com/Ana-Tote
http://www.allstarsales.ca/index.html?lang=en-us&target=d17.htmlE-belt
http://www.ebelt.ca/products.aspEpi-Access
http://www.epiaccess.ca/en/single.htmEpinephrine Mate
https://www.foodallergy.org/shoppingcart/shopwelcome.shtmlEpiPuppy
http://www.epipuppy.com/FRIO wallets (keep medications cool)
http://www.coolerconcept.com/pages/prod2.htmKozyEpi EpiPen and Puffer Pouches
http://www.kozyepi.com/index.htmMedipouch
http://www.medipouch.com/Omaxcare Leg Buddy & Asthma Pal
http://www.omaxcare.com/Safety Sack
http://www.safetysack.com/American Adventure Products
http://www.americanadventureproducts.com/old-backup/epipen.htmlPeace of Mind Allergy Solutions (Custom made EpiPen carriers)
http://www.peaceofmindallergy.com/index.phpTake In Case
http://www.takeincase.com/ActiveAide
http://www.activeaide.com/us/Protectube (waterproof case)
http://www.achooallergy.com/acc-protectube.aspConcealed EpiPen (Waist Pal, Waist Buddy, Leg Buddy)
http://www.concealedepipen.com/index.htmlWaterproof bags
http://www.rei.com/product/752383http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/aquapac-us-store-1-0.htmlhttp://www.allstarsales.ca/index1.htmlInhaler CarriersMed Ready Tote
http://www.medreadytote.com/buy.shtmlPuffaPouch
http://www.puffapouch.com/Asthma Pod
http://www.asthmapods.com/Respire
http://www.respirecases.com/index.aspxForget-Med-Not
http://forgetmednot.com/Inhaler Wallet
http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/inhaler-wallet-p-468.htmlBelt or Pocket Sized Inhaler Case
http://www.redflarekits.com/pc/10030/pac/Belt+or+Pocket+Sized+Inhaler+CaseThe Azmate
http://www.theazmate.com/index.htmlGlow Cap
http://www.glowcap.co.uk/Inhaler Mate
http://www.inhalermate.com/index.phpThe Doser
http://www.doser.com/index.htmlMitzy
http://www.mitzy.com.au/
