When my doctor prescribed an epi-pen for me, it was out of fear. No one knew what was going on, what the cause was, or the extent of the problem. I thought it might be a corn allergy. What would happen if I got into more than my body could handle?
Hence, the epi-pen.
I took the prescription to my local pharmacy-- a really cool establishment that has been in business since 1869. I was in the habit of looking for corn ingredients, so I asked for the insert while I waited for the prescription to be filled.
Active Ingredients--
Epinephrine
Inactive Ingredients--
Sodium Chloride, Sodium Metabisulfite, Water, Hydrochloric Acid
I couldn't remember if sodium metabisulfite was made of corn. It wasn't Feingold approved, I knew, so I didn't normally eat anything with it (I thought). But the wheels were turning. Wouldn't it be ironic if someone was allergic to sulfites and injected an epi-pen? Little did I know that my ironic question would, ironically, be applied to me. Oh, the irony!
"What if you have a sulfite sensitivity?" I asked the pharmacist.
He stopped and thought a minute. "I don't know. I really have no idea." I could tell it was a new idea for him and one that intrigued him.
I read through the insert some more and came to a discussion about sulfite sensitivities. To sum it up, if someone is at the point of needing an epi-pen, then they say it shouldn't matter if they are adding more sulfite. Basically, the epipen is so strong that it will over ride the sulfites in it. So they say.
I have never found any evidence of this. No studies. No research. Just "take our word for it. It's okay." Some doctors are raising some questions about this understanding, though.
There is, however, quite a bit of research about acute sulfite anaphylaxsis being treated with injections of cyanocobalamin (B12).
I suppose, B12 shots would be awkward to carry around. However, sublingual B12 in high doses can be easily carried. The only caveats are that I cannot find research specifically on the sublinguals or the use of methylcobalamin in the reversal of sulfite anaphylaxsis. Also, sometimes it is not wise to put anything in the mouth of someone with respiratory distress.
On a side note, there is a type of epi called Susphrine that is made without sulfites, but I'm not certain if it is manufactured anymore. It was not as shelf-stable and more expensive for facilities to keep on hand.
Of course, I do not ever want you to go against what you and your doctor have decided is important for your care. I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice.
I recommend that you do your own research and see what the evidence is. It's important to have an emergency plan.
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I cannot thank you enough for all this vital info
ReplyDeleteI was given too much meds for pain and became severly allergic to sulfites
my throat closed , I got epinephrine w sulfites in the urgent care I had to be rushed to er bec the sulfites in it made me very sick I could not feel my body I was losing all control of limbs and throat was stillnot open fully I must find epi pens wout sulfites had no idea it exists if not my life is constnantly in sever danger. I have not been to a dentist in three years so far none know which of their numbing shots etc contain sulfites if you have more info please please send me thanks a million sarah m
I can't find sulfite free epipen. This is outrageous! I get Stevens Johnson Syndrome from even the smallest amount of sulfite. If I'm ever injected I will become very sick. It is a severe reaction!
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