Latest news with #EpiPens
New York Post
14-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Airplane passenger's life-saving allergy request sparks harsh backlash
This tentative traveler drove fellow flyers nuts. After boarding an easyJet flight, content creator Dan Kelly, who posts on TikTok as @_maycontain, filmed his interaction with a flight attendant, whom he immediately pulled aside to note his severe nut allergies. Though the airline banned the sale of peanuts on its flights several years back, and asks passengers not to bring snacks containing nuts onboard, Kelly often lets cabin crews know about his allergy, which he claims can be triggered by nut particles in the air. Advertisement 3 Kelly suggests passengers with severe allergies pack several Epi-Pens that can remain handy whenever. Instagram/@_maycontain The prudent passenger also asked if the cabin crew could make an announcement to other travellers, letting them know that this flight would have to be nut-free for his own safety. The friendly flight attendant asked the TikTokker where his seat was, and inquired whether or not he had any EpiPens, before sending him on his way, worry-free. Advertisement 'I love it when [flight attendants] understand straight away,' the content creator wrote in the comments, praising the steward for his pragmatism and no-nonsense attitude. @_maycontain Surely people can go without nuts for a few hours if it could save someone's life! Honestly, I don't understand why some people still don't take food allergies seriously. If it were you or your child living with a life-threatening allergy, you'd hope others would show a bit more empathy and recognise just how serious it really is! ✈️If you travelling or going abroad with a food allergy, make sure to check the 🔗 in my bio #allergy #foodallergy #allergies #easyjet ♬ original sound – May Contain The content creator's page is dedicated to bringing awareness and understanding to allergy-related issues. Typically, his videos range from demonstrating proper Epi-Pen use to offering up his experience on dating while living with a serious allergy. Advertisement 'I've had a severe nut allergy since I was 5. It impacts my daily life constantly; living with the fear of a reaction is exhausting, and it's even more intense when traveling abroad,' Kelly told Newsweek. 'Every time I fly, I ask the airline to make an announcement just in case someone nearby starts eating nuts,' Kelly added as even minor exposure — through air particles or surface contact — can trigger a reaction. 'If someone eats nuts, doesn't wash their hands, then touches me, that could trigger it.' 3 Though many flight attendants don't mind making the announcements, airlines also typically state that they cannot guarantee a fully nut-free environment. SPS Media – Though many were sympathetic to Kelly's fear of mid-flight anaphylaxis — which could be triggered by touching or inhaling nearby nut residue — others weren't so willing to give up their salty snacks. Advertisement 'Your ticket should cost more if you being on the plane changes the rules for everyone else against their consent,' argued one harsh commenter, while another said, 'Since when has an entire group accommodating to a single individual become the norm? One person shouldn't dictate what a plane load of people can and cannot eat.' 3 The TikTokker was flying from Pisa to London. TikTok/@_maycontain While some commenters advised Kelly to wear gloves and a mask for additional protection, one user offered an entirely different — and somewhat ruthless — suggestion. 'It's a choice to fly, you don't have to. Why should everyone else have to worry about you? Just because you want to get on a plane,' criticized one viewer. 'I booked this ticket strictly to eat plane peanuts, it's not fair,' quipped a dry-witted commenter, referring to the wave of backlash Kelly received — which several other users also dubbed 'ridiculous.' 'Imagine how annoying it would be to have to emergency land in the middle of nowhere because someone couldn't resist a granola bar and it nearly killed another person,' reasoned another viewer. Advertisement While allergies are lifelong conditions for many, new research surrounding the affliction has proven that, in some instances, it is possible to cure a nut allergy. However, until these procedures become more commonplace, Kelly simply asks that his fellow passengers opt for an alternative snack while stuck in a pressurized cabin miles above the ground.
The Independent
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
I don't just have ‘normal' worries about my child starting school – I'm scared she could die
In just eight weeks time, my youngest child will be starting in reception at primary school. But what should be a landmark moment for our family – two children in school, what a relief! – is actually a threshold marked by deep anxiety. Because although she is raring to run into her new classroom, my four-year-old has severe food allergies. She carries EpiPens for both egg and peanut – and making sure she is safe while not in my care is a huge practical and emotional undertaking. In theory, it should be easier, this time. Her older sister, about to enter Year 4, also carries EpiPens for egg and cow's milk allergies. The school has been incredible in supporting her to start to live independently of her parents, to manage her condition safely and with confidence. She's had school dinners every day for the last four years and there's never been a slip-up. So why all the worry about her little sister following her lead? In the years since she's been at school, two things have happened. First, I have realised just how easy it is for a mistake to happen. One day, a couple of years ago, my eldest girl returned with a blotchy face and neck and itching from head to toe. I asked her if she'd eaten anything she shouldn't and she admitted a friend had brought a chocolate donut in her bag and shared it with her. She knows the rules about food sharing, but at six years old and left unsupervised temptation won out. Worse, when she realised she'd made a mistake she didn't tell anyone. It was luck alone that stood in the way of tragedy that day. In the years since, her milk allergy has worsened. She's matured enough to set her own boundaries and understand the risks – but if a slip-up happened now, the results could be devastating. The second thing that happened was the needless death of five-year-old boy Benedict Blythe, from anaphylaxis, while at school. The inquest into his death this week exposed a catalogue of failings from the school in which his parents had placed their complete trust. After all, what choice did they have? And his school failed him. The jury at the inquest found that protocols to keep Benedict safe had not been followed, including making sure his cup and his special milk (oat milk) were kept separate from the cow's milk his classmates drank. Some teachers at his school were not even aware of the medical plan in place to support his allergies. When Benedict suffered an accidental reaction the previous year after eating pizza, causing him to be sick, no lessons had been learned. And on that fateful day, when a severe reaction happened, there were delays before his adrenaline pen was administered – medication that, if delivered quickly, could have saved his life. Even when they are properly followed, the rules around allergies in school are often nonsensical. Around 8 per cent of children now have a diagnosed food allergy, so this isn't a rare issue for teachers and school leaders to face, yet the approach most choose is outdated. Almost all educational establishments, including nurseries and some childminders, have an outright ban on nuts. Of course, that helps me feel reassured over my youngest's risk of encountering peanuts in the classroom, but it's not a rule that's based in fact: more children are allergic to milk (around 5 per cent under the age of six, up to 3 per cent into the teens ) than nuts and peanuts (around 2 per cent) and more children under the age of 10 die as a result of exposure to cow's milk than nuts. Banning allergens from school actually leads to a false sense of security. Just because there aren't any nuts on site, doesn't mean it's less likely a fatal anaphylactic reaction will happen in the classroom or playground. It would be better if all schools were fully trained to understand allergy and to support children to learn independence and careful management of their medical needs. Like every school, Benedict's did not have a back-up EpiPen in case of an unexpected reaction from any child. There's a campaign in place among parents and clinicians to make sure every school has EpiPens available in the medical room, just in case, but it's not standard practice yet. (A new nasal spray is now being rolled out in the US to replace EpiPens because the fear of using a needle is a major reason for a delay in administering the drug. I hope the NHS follows suit soon.) I've been following Benedict's case closely. As a parent of children at such constant risk, you have to try to let the anxiety go in order for them to live a normal life, but it's very hard. A case like this – every allergy parent's absolute worst nightmare – feels like a reminder that I can never do enough to keep them safe and nobody else (not even a school that is legally responsible for their safety) will ever protect them the way I can. Despite my best efforts, our family life is still limited by our children's allergies. I haven't yet mustered the confidence to travel with them abroad. Children's parties are riven with anxiety; I can't just sit back and let them enjoy the fun. I've given up caring what other parents think of me for double checking everything they pick up, but I feel desperately sad when they get annoyed with me for fussing. Striking the right balance is an impossible task. As my youngest launches into the world, I'm preparing myself to educate her teachers about the risks of her allergies and how best to mitigate them yet again. Parenting is a heavy load, but meeting basic medical needs shouldn't feel this difficult. Benedict Blythe's tragic and untimely death cannot be undone, but it could mark a turning point for the allergic children who follow him.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
People with diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure issued medication warning
A change in conditions can impact how a person responds to necessary drugs Individuals taking widely-prescribed medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes are being cautioned to store them correctly as the UK heatwave persists this weekend. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that high temperatures can impact medicines and their efficacy, while hot weather can also alter how the body reacts to certain prescribed treatments. Temperatures are set to soar this weekend across the UK, with multiple alerts issued in the south for extreme heat and Scotland is also to experience a weekend heatwave, though not as severe. As such, everyone across Britain with these health conditions should ensure they are keeping medicines in the right conditions. Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA's chief safety officer, stated: "Let's face it - when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. "But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat - in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills - might not work properly when you need them. "Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes." To stay safe in the heat, Dr. Cave offered three key tips. Firstly, medications should be stored in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight. As most medications need to be kept below 25C and others require refrigeration, it is crucial to check the labels and packaging for storage instructions. Heat can cause the active ingredients in medications such as tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens to break down. If medicines change colour, develop an unusual smell, change texture or appear different than usual, these could be indicators of heat damage and you should consult a pharmacist for advice, reports the Express. The second piece of advice is to recognise the symptoms of heat-related illness, keep well-hydrated, and pay attention to what your body is telling you. During hot weather, your body sheds more water through perspiration, and certain medications can exacerbate this effect or impair your body's ability to handle the heat. Individuals on diuretics, or "water tablets" like furosemide, are at increased risk as they already lose more fluid via urination, which can result in dehydration or mineral imbalances. Medications for blood pressure such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may also hinder your body's ability to manage its temperature, particularly during abrupt heatwaves. Moreover, some treatments for diabetes, including insulin and metformin, heighten the danger of dehydration or obscure the early signs. Should you begin to feel ill due to the heat, Dr Cave recommends relocating to a cooler environment, drinking water slowly, and seeking medical help if your condition does not improve promptly. Lastly, Dr Cave suggests checking if your medication increases your skin's susceptibility to sunburn, even under mild sunlight. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, and treatments for skin issues like acne or eczema, may cause heightened sun sensitivity. Additionally, prolonged consumption of painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen might occasionally result in mild sun sensitivity. Medications like methotrexate, used in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and cancer, can induce severe sun sensitivity even in small doses. Severe reactions can manifest as agonizing rashes, blisters, or swelling and might occasionally lead to dangerous infections in rare instances. Dr. Cave recommended: "Remember, for all medicines it's important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning over medications that can STOP working in the hot weather
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH parts of the UK set to sizzle under highs of 34°C, health chiefs have issued a warning over medications that could stop working in the hot weather. The heat can break down active ingredients in lifesaving drugs or affect how much the body absorbs them - making your usual dose too strong or too weak. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Keeping medications on a sunny windowsill could render them less effective Credit: Getty Meds that need to be stored in the fridge are particularly vulnerable to heat damage, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). But pills stuffed into bags and pockets while you're in hot cars and trains, or basking in parks and beaches, can also be affected. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: 'Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. "But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. 'Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes." The warning comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office issued a joint heat health alert, warning that sweltering temperatures could pose "serious" health risks for some. The MHRA said active ingredients in the following medications could break down from the heat, making them less effective: Tablets Inhalers Hormone patches Insulin EpiPens Insulin Liquid antibiotics Some of these will have clear storage instructions on their packaging but not all medicines come with a visible warning. Insulin and certain liquid antibiotics need to be kept in the fridge, so if they're left out too long or stored incorrectly in hot weather, they many not work properly when you take them. How to stay cool during hot weather Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs. This could potentially make your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor, the MHRA said. And don't forget medical devices, as some can become less reliable in hot or humid weather. One such example is blood glucose monitors, which could give people with diabetes less reliable readings. You should keep devices and any test strips somewhere cool and dry and check the leaflet for storage instructions. If your device isn't behaving normally, try running a control check or speak to your pharmacist for advice. HOT WEATHER MEDICINE TIPS From how to store your medication in hot weather, to protection from dehydration and sunburn - here are three essential hot weather medicine tips. 1. Store safely Most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25°C. But cars, trains and buses can heat up quickly during the summer, and rooms with direct sunlight can get much hotter than you'd think, the MHRA warned. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to damage medication. Especially if you're taking advantage of the sunshine to go to a festival, sports event, or the beach. The MHRA shared key of heat damage to look out for in your medication: Colour changes Developing an unusual smell A change in texture Looking different in any way If you notice these signs, ask your pharmacist for advice. If you're at home, check the patient information leaflet for storage instructions and keep medicines in the coolest part of the house, away from direct sunlight. If you're travelling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. A cool bag can help if you're going to be out all day. 2. Drink up During hot weather, your body loses more water through sweating and some medicines can make this worse, or make it harder for your body to cope with heat. If you're taking diuretics, or 'water tablets' such as furosemide, you lose more water through peeing - in hot weather, this can cause dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response. Some diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin, also increase the risk of dehydration or make early symptoms harder to spot. Dehydration warning for weight loss jabs Ayisha Mushtaq, a registered associate nutritionist for Simple Online Pharmacy warned that people taking weight loss medications are at higher risk experiencing side effects in hot weather due to dehydration. "These medications often dull your thirst response and reduce your appetite, making it easy to drink too little without realising," she said. "Even mild dehydration can make side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness and constipation worse. "Sipping fluids throughout the day and including water-rich foods, like soups, fruits, and veg, can make a big difference in how you feel. "Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that you're already mildly dehydrated.' She added: 'Staying hydrated while taking GLP-1 weight medication isn't just about quenching thirst – it can help you feel much better throughout your journey. 'While drinking water alone won't lead to weight loss without changes in diet or activity, it can still support your goals in many meaningful ways. "For example, drinking water before meals may help you feel fuller, leading to smaller portions and replacing sugary drinks with water can reduce your calorie and sugar intake. "Although the research is mixed on whether water alone causes weight loss, it's clear that hydration plays an important supporting role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whatever your weight-loss journey looks like." Here are some good options that count towards your intake: Water (still or sparkling) Green or herbal teas Diluted sugar-free squash Milk and milk alternatives Sugar-free soft drinks in moderation Caffeinated drinks in moderation Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or quetiapine, or stimulant medications for attention disorders can increase your body temperature, making you overheat more easily. Dehydration red flags include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don't feel better quickly. 3. Sunburn safety Some common medicines can make your skin much more likely to burn, even in mild sunshine. This includes some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, or skin treatments for acne or eczema. Less commonly, painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can sometimes cause mild sun sensitivity - but this is usually only a concern with frequent or long-term use. One medicine that requires particular care is methotrexate, used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and cancer. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to the sun – even at low doses. This can lead to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling that looks like severe sunburn. In rare cases, these reactions have led to serious infections. The risk goes up during sunny weather, especially if you're outside more – whether you're walking the dog, gardening, or heading off on holiday. Even a short walk at lunchtime or a train ride in the sun can be enough to trigger a reaction for some people.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Common pills millions take can increase risk of getting sunburn
Common pills millions take can increase risk of getting sunburn The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a warning about how the heat will impact some drugs You need to check your medicines in the heat With the UK bracing for another heatwave this week, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding people that high temperatures can affect medicines and how well they work. Hot weather changes how your body responds to medications, which could impact people managing long-term conditions. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: 'Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. 'Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. 'To stay safe in the heat: Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you're out and about Know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body Take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn 'And remember, for all medicines it's important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.' Article continues below Keep medicines out of hot cars and direct sunlight Most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25C. But cars, trains and buses can heat up quickly during the summer, and rooms with direct sunlight can get much hotter than you'd think. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to cause problems, especially if you're out all day or at a festival, sports event, or the beach. Heat can break down the active ingredients in medicines, meaning they might not work when you need them. That includes tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens. Some packaging will give clear storage instructions, but not all medicines come with a visible warning. Medicines that need to be kept in the fridge – such as insulin or certain liquid antibiotics – are especially vulnerable to heat. If they're left out too long or stored incorrectly, they may not work properly when you take them. If your medicine has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, changed texture, or looks different in any way, this could signal heat damage. Ask your pharmacist for advice. If you're at home, check the patient information leaflet for storage instructions and keep medicines in the coolest part of the house, away from direct sunlight. If you're travelling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. A cool bag can help if you're going to be out all day. Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs, potentially making your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Don't forget medical devices: It's not just medicines – some medical devices can also be affected by heat or humidity. For example, blood glucose monitors may give people managing diabetes less reliable readings if used or stored in hot conditions. Keep devices and any test strips somewhere cool and dry, and check the instructions that came with them for any temperature guidance. If your device isn't behaving as expected, try running a control check or speak to your pharmacist for advice. For more information about medicine and medical devices safety, visit the MHRA website or report any concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Drink more water and stay cool if you're taking diuretics or blood pressure medication During hot weather, your body loses more water through sweating – but some medicines can make this worse, or make it harder for your body to cope with heat. People taking diuretics, or 'water tablets', such as furosemide, are already losing more fluid through urination. This can cause dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response. Some diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin, also increase the risk of dehydration or make early symptoms harder to spot. Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or quetiapine, or stimulant medications for attention disorders can increase your body temperature, making you overheat more easily. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don't feel better quickly. Check if your medicine increases your risk of sunburn Some common medicines can make your skin much more likely to burn, even in mild sunshine. This includes some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, or skin treatments for acne or eczema. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also known to sometimes cause mild sun sensitivity, but this is less common and usually only a concern with frequent or long-term use. Article continues below One medicine that requires particular care is methotrexate, used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and cancer. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to the sun – even at low doses. This can lead to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling that looks like severe sunburn. In rare cases, these reactions have led to serious infections. The risk goes up during sunny weather, especially if you're outside more – whether you're walking the dog, gardening, or heading off on holiday. Even a short walk at lunchtime or a train ride in the sun can be enough to trigger a reaction for some people. If you take any medicines, always read the patient information leaflet or check with your pharmacist to see if sun sensitivity is a side effect.
