Allergies come in all shapes and sizes ...
Just like allergy sufferers. And they are on the rise. For many people allergies can range from sniffling and sneezing to skin rashes to gastrointestinal issues. A certain percentage, however, have more than these uncomfortable symptoms to deal with. Anaphylaxis, a serious life-threatening reaction, causes approximately 1,500 deaths a year in the United States alone. Clearly, allergies are nothing to sneeze at!
Articles for Advocacy
Walgreens and Kaléo Partner to Address Epinephrine Auto-Injector Supply Issues
Good news for those looking for free epinephrine auto-injectors: Walgreens is partnering with the pharmaceutical company Kaléo to offer AUVI-Q auto-injectors at no cost for commercially insured patients who are eligible for Kaléo's patient support programs. Even those with high deductible plans might be eligible, and if you don’t have insurance, Kaléo may be able to help you through its patient assistance program. The injectors will be delivered right to your home or doctor’s office and have the added benefit of providing audio step-by-step instructions on how to administer them.
- Walgreens becomes the first retail pharmacy to offer access to AUVI-Q auto-injectors at no cost for commercially insured patients who are eligible for Kaléo’s patient support programs.
- For patients who are unable to fill their current epinephrine prescriptions, Walgreens pharmacists will work with each patient’s healthcare practitioner to see if AUVI-Q is right for them.
Who is usually the first on the scene in any type of emergency? Law enforcement officials. It may come as a surprise to many that police officers are not allowed to administer epinephrine in an emergency, nor do they carry an EpiPen. New York State Senator Jim Tedisco is working to change this situation, since police officers now carry and administer Narcan for drug overdoses. It would be most helpful if you could email your state senator and representative to tell them of your support of Sen. Tedisco’s legislation, S.9153, to permit law enforcement officers to carry and administer EpiPens.
NY State Senator Tedisco: Police Should be Equipped with EAI Devices
By Wendy Liberatore
August 21, 2018
New York State Senator Jim Tedisco (R-Glenville) has called for legislation to close what he calls a “dangerous loophole” by adding law enforcement, who often are first to respond to emergencies, to the list of professionals who can treat people with life-threatening allergic reactions.
Tedisco wants to enable police officers and members of law enforcement to carry epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) devices to treat people in an emergency.
Latex Allergy Awareness Week Set for October 7-13
Perhaps you’ve seen signs in schools saying “no latex allowed” which of course would include balloons. Allergies to latex can be very serious, so the Allergy & Asthma Network is designating Oct. 7-13 as Latex Allergy Awareness Week. In addition to providing educational resources, the Network is hosting a webinar on Oct. 11, 2018 at 4 p.m. EST. Called “Latex Allergy Myths & Truths: What the Evidence Reveals,” it will feature board-certified allergist and latex allergy expert Kevin Kelly, MD, of North Carolina Children’s Hospital.
VIENNA, VA (August 31, 2018) – Allergy & Asthma Network announces Latex Allergy Awareness Week is Sunday, Oct. 7 to Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. The theme this year is “Latex Allergy Myths & Truths: What the Evidence Reveals.”
During Latex Allergy Awareness Week, the Network raises awareness about the condition, which affects 1 to 6 percent of the population, and distributes educational resources in print and online. The week is intended to highlight the many issues facing people with latex allergy as well as encourage doctors and patients to stay vigilant in efforts to fully understand the condition and eliminate exposure to latex everywhere.