This will be our first winter carrying epinephrine. How do you keep it the proper temperature during cold weather activities? (While camping this summer, the temp. dipped into the 40s at night so I put the epi-pens in my sleeping bag - was I overly cautious?) What about skiing, those freezing cold soccer games a good long walk from the car, other activities?
Thanks much.
Helen
Hi Helen - this will be our first winter with an Epipen also, but this "newbie" will try to answer your question! You definitely want to protect the Epipen from freezing, as this would cause an adverse effect to the medication within. Don't leave it in the car and that sort of thing. I intend to put it inside my coat, in an inner pocket. Also, a waist pouch holder that your coat would cover would work. As long as it's close to your body warmth, it will be OK. Don't put it right next to your skin though, no need to heat it up too much. Hope this helps! Carolyn
At a meeting of our local support group this past May, there was a rep from Dey Labs, makers of Epi-Pens. He said that what affects the efficacy of the epi formula is LONG-TERM exposure to heat or cold. He said if you're just out for an occasional afternoon in the cold or heat, it shouldn't hurt it. Personally, I still take steps to avoid exposure to temperature extremes - although I haven't dealt with cold yet - but it's nice to know I don't have to worry if they're accidentally left in the heat or cold for a short time.
My sons and I were on a Cub Scout hike and the temps were in the 40's. I didn't know what to do with the epi's, then I hit upon putting them in a sock and sticking them in my sports bra. Worked like a charm but I didn't dare tell my 10 yr old as he would have had a fit.
DeeJay-
Too Funny!!! What a great idea! I can just imagine a ten year old saying " You stuck my epi-pens where?!!!"
DeeJay - well, your cleverness topped mine of putting the epi-pens in the sleeping bag. I, also, didn't dare tell my 9 year old as it would have just reinforced his views that I'm a little "weird".
Hi Helen,
Having it inside of your coat should be fine, in an inner pocket or in a fanny pack under your coat to keep it from freezing. Don't forget it in the vehicle, as it should be kept between 15 and 30 degrees celcius or 59-86 degrees farenheit.
Hi Helen,
Having it inside of your coat should be fine, in an inner pocket or in a fanny pack under your coat to keep it from freezing. Don't forget it in the vehicle, as it should be kept between 15 and 30 degrees celcius or 59-86 degrees farenheit.
Hi Helen,
Having it inside of your coat should be fine, in an inner pocket or in a fanny pack under your coat to keep it from freezing. Don't forget it in the vehicle, as it should be kept between 15 and 30 degrees celcius or 59-86 degrees farenheit.
So sorry about the multiple responses, (Cable trouble....grrrr!!!)....Well it seems better today!