EpiPens anyone?

[mathlete]

Hi All,

I am severely allergic to bee stings.  In the past when I've been stung, I've completely swollen up and broken out in hives, but my throat has never closed up; however I've always had to go to the hospital for fluids and medication and usually stay several hours in the ER (I even had to go back once because I re-broke out in hives).  By the time the bees make an appearance in my area I'll be in the third trimester.  I carry an EpiPen at all times during the warmer weather, but I've never used it.  I went to the manufacturers website and read the following:  "EpiPen® is a Pregnancy Category C drug. Adrenaline should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus."   

Obviously I'll discuss this with my OB at our next appointment, but I'm in no rush because there's no bee in sight.  Anyone else have allergies and use an EpiPen?  Have you talked to your doctor yet?  Where do you draw the line with "potential benefit"? Has anyone used an EpiPen while pregnant? Just wanted to get some thoughts/opinions/experiences before I chat with my doctor.  

Thanks

[mathlete]

Thanks jnetx. If I had problems breathing, I'm sure I would use it right away (or have someone else stab me with it...I usually let someone else around me know about it if my husband isn't there). I guess that's "my line" with the potential benefits. The other swelling is incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but as long as it doesn't harm the baby (will have to check with the doctor on that one) I'll probably hold off on then. I'd still like to hear if anyone's actually had to use theirs while pregnant. I just want to be prepared.

[mathlete]

@justinslovo - That's something I hadn't considered...that the reaction could be more severe. I haven't been stung in probably....15 years? I'm not even sure how I would react. I wonder if they can test for that <off to google>.

[3timemom]

I would probably use it if I needed too. The next time you get stung might not be just breaking out in hives. It could be that your throat closes up and you can't breath. Of course go over it with your dr but I would be using it if I needed too.

[pixiepink24]

I am allergic to nuts and shellfish so I too have an epi pen. I've never had to use it but I have written it down to discuss with doctor and midwife.

[beachmom15]

Yes, I would use it. I do not have any personal experience, but I did learn about this in nursing school. When an allergen (bees in your case) first comes into contact with you, your body sends a warning signal to react to it-which is typically hives. The next time and subsequent times your body comes into contact with the allergen, the reaction is much more severe-shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the lips and tongue, etc. Good idea to bring it up to your OB, she/he may not even know that you are allergic.

[Tgrrl]

I wouldn't hesitate, if a reaction is severe enough to warrant the use outside of pregnancy, it certainly warrants use during. You have no idea where swelling could be happening. I have asthma, my daily inhaler is a category c, I still take my inhaler everyday because if I'm not breathing & getting enough oxygen, neither is the baby. With any allergic reaction, you have to be concerned with airway swelling, not just your throat, but your tiny airways in your lungs. Talk with your OB, but don't worry about hurting baby, in that case you'd hurt LO more by not using it.

[beepers]

I'm not your medical provider but I have taken care of some pregnant women who are critically ill.

Medically speaking, it is important to look at drug safety in pregnancy, BUT if the EpiPen is what keeps you breathing and alive until you can get to an ER then the benefits CLEARLY outweigh the risks.

Obviously talk to your OB at your next visit but I honestly can't imagine any physician advising a pregnant woman NOT to use an EpiPen in case of a severe allergic reaction.

[jlbaker08]

I'm interested to see what your Dr says. I'd think there's a possibility that you might experience a more severe reaction because you're pregnant, and the EpiPen would be a good thing to have. Since our immune systems are lower, it probably could go either way but keep us posted on what they tell you! I'm not sure what all is in an EpiPen but adrenaline is something your body produces anyway so if you get scared by a spider or slip on ice and get startled, you'd be pumping biological adrenaline into your system naturally, just a thought.

[mathlete]

I'll definitely report back with my doctor's thoughts. They do make children's doses of EpiPens (less than the adult dose), so that could be a possibility? I might also have to speak with a specialist on allergies. I'm not sure how much my OB would actually know other than "If your throat closes up, definitely take it!"