OVER 20 per cent of the UK’s population is affected by at least one allergy and many carry a lifesaving adrenaline pen with them at all times.
But Brits at risk of deadly anaphylaxis could be using these devices all wrong, the UK’s medicines watchdog has warned.
One in five Brits suffer from at least one allergy and could be at risk of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy, causing sufferers to feel lightheaded, wheezy, confused and sometimes to lose consciousness.
It can be fatal and can develop suddenly at any age, even to substances that have previously been safe, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
“The steps taken in response can mean the difference between life and death,” it wrote.
The agency issued new advice what steps people should take in an anaphylaxis emergency and how to use adrenaline auto-injector pens (AAIs) safely, to mark the start of World Allergy Week.
It comes after the last two decades have seen an over 100 per cent increase in the rate of hospital admissions due to allergies and anaphylaxis in the UK, according to NHS Digital’s Hospital Episode Statistics – this tallies up to almost 30,000 admissions per year.
Epipens and Jext products of different strengths are prescribed for Brits at risk of anaphylaxis.
In England alone, 279,754 prescriptions were issued for EpiPens between April 2022 and March 2023, according to GP prescribing data. Meanwhile, Jext products were prescribed 106,708 times in England in that same time period.
The number of prescriptions won’t necessarily indicate the amount of people at risk of deadly allergic reactions, as a patient can get more than one prescription in a year or not fulfil one at all in that space of time.
The MHRA collaborated with allergy awareness and advocates to shared the following step-by-step guide on how to use adrenaline pens safely and effectively.
How to respond to an anaphylaxis emergency
According to NHS guidance, anaphylaxis can develop suddenly and get worse very quickly.
Symptoms include:
feeling lightheaded or faintbreathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathingwheezinga fast heartbeatclammy skinconfusion and anxietycollapsing or losing consciousness
You may also experience other allergy symptoms, including an itchy, raised rash, feeling or being sick, swelling or stomach pain.
If you begin experiencing these symptoms, here’s what to do.
1. Use your adrenaline pen immediately
Use your adrenaline pen without delay if you notice any signs of anaphylaxis reader.
Use it even if you’re in doubt that you’re having a reaction.
2. Call 999
Call or have someone call 999 immediately and say “anaphylaxis” – pronounced “ana-fill-axis”.
3. Lie down if you aren’t already
You should lie down flat and raise your legs – but if you’re pregnant, lie down on you left side.
This will assist blood flow to the heart and vital organs.
Make sure to stay lying down even if you feel better.
4. Use your second pen after 5 minutes if you don’t feel better
You should carry two adrenaline pens with you at all times. Use your second one if your condition hasn’t improved after five minutes.
It’s critical that you check the expiry dates on your pens and see a pharmacist if yours is out of date to get a replacement.
The agency also shared a step-by-step picture guide as well as a video on how to respond to someone suffering from anaphylaxis.
Julian Beach, deputy director of population health at the MHRA said: “For people experiencing anaphylaxis, either first hand or in the company of a loved one, it can be a scary and uncertain time.
“AAIs are an important and potentially life-saving healthcare product, giving people experiencing anaphylaxis precious time before the emergency services arrive.
“Knowing how to use AAIs and what to do in an emergency is vital and so I encourage everyone to review the latest guidance and download these materials so they can be prepared.”
Meanwhile, Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK observed that “people living with allergies often fear the worst and many of the people we work with have extreme anxiety doing things like eating out and travelling, that others may take for granted.
“By educating about allergies, anaphylaxis and what to do in an emergency, we hope to help people feel more confident going about their daily lives.”
And health secretary Steve Barclay emphasised that a severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening.
“One in five people in the UK suffer with at least one allergy, so it’s vital people are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves safe,” he said.
Common anaphylaxis triggers
Anaphylaxis is a result of your immune system overreacting and is often triggered by something you’re allergic to, but not always.
Common triggers include:
foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits
medicines – including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin
insect stings – particularly wasp and bee stings
general anaesthetic
contrast agents – dyes used in some medical tests to help certain areas of your body show up better on scans
latex – a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms
In some cases, there’s no obvious trigger, which is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis.
Source: NHS