Why aren't EpiPens available locally?

Wayne Campbell, Contributor

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Avoiding contact with any substance that could possibly trigger an allergic reaction is always the best possible option available to those who suffer from allergies. However, there are some individuals who are unable to identify the allergens to which they are allergic.

Anyone who has had an allergic reaction knows the severe discomfort that accompanies this medical condition. It often requires multiple visits to the hospital and time off from work or school. It's a time of sheer frustration and distress.

In North America, individuals who are at risk of developing an allergic reaction have at their disposal the choice of getting an EpiPen.

An EpiPen is a pre-filled automatic injection containing epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways. This can reverse severe skin itching, hives, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

However, patients in Jamaica are not so fortunate since the local medical fraternity, for whatever reason, does not see this as a priority. Having access to an EpiPen can be a lifesaving tool.

Anaphylactic shock

Individuals who have had a history of allergies or asthma, or people who have had severe allergic reactions, may be at risk for anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and potentially fatal allergic reaction in somebody sensitive to a substance. It is characterised by a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, itching, and swelling. Having access to an EpiPen is certainly a first-line response in the case of an emergency until that individual gets to the hospital for further treatment.

In Canada, one can purchase an EpiPen without a prescription.

Why is it that in Jamaica, EpiPens are not available for those individuals who suffer from allergic reactions? What is the position of the Ministry of Health regarding having EpiPens available locally?

With so few doctors trained as allergists in Jamaica, maybe the time has come for the local medical fraternity to examine the possibility of allowing EpiPens to be available to patients who suffer from severe forms of allergies.

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