Latest news with #Epinephrine
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘A cascade of failures': How a five-year-old UK boy's fatal milk allergy reaction exposed alarming lapses in school's safety protocols; symptoms to watch out for
A tragic case from the UK has reignited conversations around food allergy protocols in schools across the world. Five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who had known allergies to milk, eggs, kiwi and nuts, died on December 21, 2021 after what his mother called 'a cascade of failures,' including exposure to cow's milk and a delay in receiving emergency treatment. After a thorough investigation, a UK inquest determined the probable cause of death was 'the ingestion of cow's milk protein, most probably from his own receptacle during break time,' suggesting that Benedict may have been mistakenly served another child's milk, according to the BBC. Despite established protocols between the family and Benedict's school to store his oat milk separately in the staff fridge, the school also stored another student's lactose-free milk in the same fridge. On the day of the incident, the milk was poured in the staff room instead of the classroom. Benedict became ill and vomited, 'the first sign' of his allergic reaction, according to his mother, but his EpiPen was administered too late. Dr Shuaib Nasser, an allergy specialist who had treated him, said, 'In hindsight, yes, it was administered too late,' per the BBC. Benedict collapsed shortly after, and though CPR was attempted, he died less than two hours later at a nearby hospital due to food-induced anaphylaxis. Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells 'Managing children with severe food allergies requires a well-coordinated and proactive approach. The first step is early diagnosis and clear communication. Once a child is diagnosed with a serious allergy, parents must provide schools with a comprehensive medical action plan that outlines the allergen, symptoms of a reaction, emergency contacts, and treatment steps.' A post shared by Benedict Blythe Foundation (@benedictblythefoundation) Schools must maintain up-to-date health records and ensure this information is accessible to all relevant staff, especially teachers, cafeteria personnel, and transport staff. There should be strict policies in place to avoid accidental exposure. Dr Hiremath adds that education is equally vital. 'Teachers and caregivers should be trained to recognise early signs of an allergic reaction and know exactly what steps to take. Simple protocols like handwashing before and after meals, not sharing food, and reading ingredient labels can significantly reduce risk.' Dr Hiremath informs, 'Epinephrine must be administered immediately at the first signs of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction that can occur immediately after getting exposed to an allergen. Delayed use of an epinephrine auto-injector is one of the most common reasons for fatal outcomes. It is most effective when given within minutes of symptom onset. Every minute counts.' Symptoms that should never be ignored include difficulty breathing, wheezing, sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips or face, hives, and persistent vomiting. In children, even sudden behavioral changes like confusion, lethargy, or complaints of a 'funny feeling' in the mouth or throat can be early warning signs. 'Importantly, once epinephrine is administered, emergency services must be contacted immediately,' he stresses. 'Yes, schools in India should absolutely be required to stock spare epinephrine auto-injectors and train their staff in allergy response,' stresses Dr Hiremath. 'This should be seen as an essential part of a school's health and safety preparedness, just like fire drills or first aid.' Implementation can begin with clear national or state-level policy guidelines on allergy management in educational institutions. Schools should designate trained staff members responsible for maintaining emergency allergy kits and conducting refresher training. Basic training on allergy symptoms, use of EpiPens, and emergency protocols can be included in teacher orientation and annual safety reviews. Collaboration with pediatricians, allergists, and public health bodies can help schools develop practical and medically accurate response plans. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
World Allergy Day 2025 – Decoding Anaphylaxis: The dos and don'ts of the life‑threatening allergy
Every year on World Allergy Day, the global health community turns its attention to allergies and their aftereffect. World Allergy Day is celebrated annually on July 8th to raise awareness about allergies and their impact. It's a joint initiative of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The day aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about allergies, promote understanding of allergic diseases, and advocate for better resources and care for individuals with allergies. In 2025, the spotlight is firmly on anaphylaxis, the most severe kind of allergic reaction. Striking rapidly and affecting multiple body systems, anaphylaxis can escalate from hives to respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, or even fatality within minutes. Without rapid treatment, the consequences can be dire. Globally, 0.05–2% of people may experience anaphylaxis during their lifetime, with Emergency Department visits surging across age groups. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) has identified anaphylaxis as a fast-growing public health threat, with up to 5 million cases globally each year, and an estimated 8,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, only 60% of countries guarantee access to epinephrine auto-injectors – life-saving devices critical in emergencies. Studies reveal that 52–60% of individuals at risk do not carry epinephrine, and in the UK, nearly one-third of children with serious food allergies remain unprescribed the critical EpiPen. On World Allergy Day, let's dive deep into the science of anaphylaxis, the vital dos for survival, the dangerous don'ts, and how to ensure readiness – because early action can make the difference between life and loss. What is Anaphylaxis ? Anaphylaxis is an acute, systemic allergic reaction that unfolds in two phases: an immune-driven release of histamine and mediators, followed by a late-phase inflammatory response that can intensify hours later. It's a swift allergic reaction triggered by allergens like foods (peanuts, shellfish), insect stings, medications, or latex that bind with IgE antibodies, triggering mast cell degranulation. It typically unfolds within minutes to hours. Symptoms encompass: Skin: hives, itching, swelling Respiratory: wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, breathlessness Cardiovascular: drop in blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness GI: nausea, vomiting, cramps Though less than 2% of people face anaphylaxis , hospital visits are steadily rising. Fatal outcomes are rare (< 0.5% in hospital cases), but the risk is high, especially when diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Critically, only epinephrine (adrenaline) halts this process – every second counts. The critical 'Dos' – immediate and effective response Use Epinephrine immediately: Inject intramuscular epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg, up to 0.5 mg adult dose) into the mid-thigh at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Early injection sharply reduces hospital admissions and fatalities. Request prescriptions for two auto-injectors and always carry them. Call emergency services: Use EMS even after epinephrine, as symptoms can recur in 30% of cases (biphasic reactions) within 1–72 hours. Monitoring at a hospital for at least 4–6 hours is standard; in severe cases, observation may extend to 24 hours. Educate your circle: Ensure family, caregivers, educators, and co-workers know how to recognize anaphylaxis and use auto-injectors. Advocacy for first-responder programs in high-risk public venues like schools, malls, and food courts is growing. Specialized follow-up: After an episode, consult an allergist for diagnosis, prevention planning, and consideration of immunotherapies – food or venom desensitization shows 80–98% effectiveness. The golden rule: Do use epinephrine IMMEDIATELY when anaphylaxis is suspected. It reverses airway swelling and increases blood pressure within minutes. The key 'Don'ts' – common and dangerous mistakes Don't wait for escalating symptoms: Delaying epinephrine sharply increases the risk of fatality and hospitalization. If in doubt, inject. Don't substitute with antihistamines alone: Antihistamines or steroids may help minor symptoms, but won't counter airway obstruction or shock – and are not substitutes for epinephrine. Don't assume one dose is enough: Up to 35% of patients need a second dose for symptom control. Don't skip preparations: Expired or absent auto-injectors, lack of an action plan, or ignorance among contacts can turn manageable scenarios deadly. When time is of the essence, avoiding these missteps can be just as important as taking action. Prevention and preparedness – Beyond the emergency hours Effective prevention complements rapid response. Know your triggers: Read labels carefully, inquire about ingredients in food, cosmetics, or industrial products, and avoid hidden allergens like 'natural flavor' or 'spices'. Maintain an action plan: Keep a personalized action plan ready to go. Work with an allergist to create a tailored plan – covering identification, emergency dosing, and follow-up steps. Training and awareness: Advocate for educational programs in schools and workplaces to train staff and implement clear protocols. Psychological readiness: Living with anaphylaxis risk can induce anxiety. Support groups and mental health resources improve resilience. Public policy matters: WAO and GA²LEN emphasize the need for widespread access to auto-injectors in public spaces – schools, dining venues, and transit hubs. Desensitization therapies: Under specialist care, allergy immunotherapy – venom immunotherapy or food desensitization – offers hope to reduce reactivity by 80–90% in select cases. Emerging innovations: The FDA's approval of Neffy, a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray, may help reduce injection hesitancy The final word Living with a risk of anaphylaxis carries a heavy emotional burden – for individuals and caregivers alike. To cope, seek psychological support – counseling, peer groups, or family therapy can help manage the chronic stress. Give community building a thought. Join support organizations like Anaphylaxis UK, and share stories for strength and solidarity. Empowerment through education often restores a sense of control – and that confidence matters when you're the one in crisis.
New York Post
19-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Proposed ‘Gio's Law,' named for tragic LI teen, would see cops across US equipped with EpiPens
Cop cars in the US would be equipped with EpiPens in memory of a Long Island teen baseball player who died from an allergic reaction to peanuts, according a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress this week. Long Island Reps Laura Gillen (D) and Andrew Garbarino (R) said the bill would ensure the feds pony up $25 million to dole out to states to buy the critical life-saving allergic-reaction treatment for officers and train them in their use. The proposed legislation is dubbed 'Gio's Law' in honor of 14-year-old Giovanni Cipriano, a Lynbrook high-school freshman and travel baseball player who died in 2013 when he went into anaphylactic shock during a family vacation. 5 Proposed legislation dubbed 'Gio's Law' in honor of 14-year-old Giovanni Cipriano would equip cop cars with EpiPens. GoFundMe 5 Cipriano, a Long Island teen baseball player, died from an allergic reaction to peanuts. REUTERS Gio's mom, Georgina Cornago, was brought to tears as the bill was announced Wednesday — and as she recalled her 'amazing' son. 'I stand here today overwhelmed with gratitude, emotion, and a deep sense of purpose,' Cornago said. 'This has been a long journey fueled by heartbreak, hope, and persistence.' Gillen said the bill not only pays tribute to Gio's memory but also aims to prevent future tragedies by giving cops the tools they need to respond when seconds matter. 'There's no reason we should be losing lives simply because first responders don't have the proper equipment,' the pol said. Epinephrine, best known under the brand name EpiPen, is an emergency treatment used for anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction triggered by such things as food, insect stings and medications. 5 'This has been a long journey fueled by heartbreak, hope, and persistence,' Cipriano's mom, Georgina Cornago, said about the bill. James Messerschmidt 'This is a public-safety issue, plain and simple,' Gillen said of the new bill. 'Over 32 million Americans live with life-threatening allergies — and the people we rely on to be first on the scene should be trained and equipped to help.' Cornago wept as she described her son as 'a super energetic boy' who loved making people laugh and never let anyone feel alone. 'I told you I'd never stop fighting — and I stand by those words,' she said. 'Equipping law enforcement and first responders with epinephrine is not optional. It's essential. It will save lives.' 5 'Equipping law enforcement and first responders with epinephrine is not optional. It's essential. It will save lives,' Cornago said. James Messerschmidt 5 Cornago described her son as 'a super energetic boy' who loved making people laugh and never let anyone feel alone. James Messerschmidt Lynbrook Police Inspector Sean Murphy, whose daughter's life was once saved by an officer's EpiPen, said the proposed legislation gives families like his peace of mind. At least 1,500 people die every year from anaphylasix, with the tragic rate doubling in the past two decades alone, according to the National Institutes of Health in 2023.
Miami Herald
15-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Miami plastic surgery center suspended for inadequate drugs, BBL patient exams
'Perfection' starts the name of a Sunny Isles Beach plastic surgery center that fell short enough of its name in patient safety violations to get its license suspended for 30 days. From a suite in the high rise at 16690 Collins Ave., Perfection Plastic Surgery & Med Spa sells Brazilian butt lifts (BBL), breast jobs, mommy makeovers and penis augmentation. But, Perfection got put on hiatus until July 12 for lacking the drugs an office surgery center should have, inadequate BBL patient exams among other violations. Management refused comment when a Miami Herald reporter dropped by the office. State corporate records say Perfection's run by president Iris Kogan and Angela Kogan is its registered agent. Perfection inspection problems Perfection received office surgery registration license OSR1709 on Sept. 19, 2022 and received a Florida Department of Health inspection visit on Dec. 6, 2022. An administrative complaint was filed Aug. 16, 2024 listing the major problems found. ▪ The crash cart, the cart with the medical emergency equipment, lacked required drugs: Atropine 3 mg, used for dangerously slowing heart rate, according to the University of North Carolina; Epinephrine 1mg in 10ml, which treats increased heart rate and possibly fatal allergic reactions; Dextrose 50%; 50 ml, which treats hypoglycemia, a dangerous drop in glucose. ▪ Perfection didn't have benzodiazepine, which the Cleveland Clinic defines as 'medications that make your nervous system less active.' ▪ Perfection's risk management program, 'on one or more noncompliant' or, at the time of inspection, nonexistent. ▪ Before a surgery, surgeons should, in writing, let the patient know of a hospital where the surgeon can perform the same surgery about to be done at Perfection or the hospital where the surgeon or Perfection has a transfer agreement. Perfection's surgeons — which aren't listed on the website, unlike most other surgery centers — didn't do the above, at least once. The Florida Department of Health returned in August 2023 for another inspection in which the violations were detailed in a December 2024 administrative complaint. ▪ The crash cart still didn't have the Atropine and Dextrose, but now also was bereft of Magnesium sulfate 2 grams, also called 'epsom salts' which treats a variety of seizures and heart rate abnormalities; and Lidocaine, 100 mg, which treats 'life-threatening arrhythmias,' North Carolina said. ▪ At least one, possibly more, surgeons doing BBLs 'failed to conduct an in-person examination of a patient no later than the day before the patient's procedure.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nasus Pharma Announces the Publication of Positive Clinical Results from its Phase 2 Study of FMXIN002 (NS002) Intranasal Epinephrine Powder
TEL AVIV, Israel, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nasus Pharma Ltd. ("Nasus Pharma" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing needle-free, powder-based intranasal ("PBI") products addressing acute, community based, medical emergencies, today announced the publication of its phase 2 NS002 clinical study performed at the Clinical Research Unit of Hadassah Medical Center in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Global). NS002 is an Epinephrine powder nasal spray for the treatment of type 1 severe allergies and anaphylaxis. The published article (J Allergy Clin Immunol Global 2025;4:100487) explored the comparative bioequivalence of different dosages of intranasal powder Epinephrine (3.6 and 4 mg) compared to the current standard of care, 0.3 mg EpiPen (Epinephrine intramuscular ("IM") autoinjector). This was an open-label, single-dose, 3-treatment, crossover, randomized study that included 12 healthy volunteers. The study results demonstrated that FMXIN002 (NS002) 4.0 mg had faster and higher absorption by all participants, compared to the IM autoinjector: 91% of subjects achieved the hemodynamic clinical threshold of 100 pg/mL plasma Epinephrine at 6 minutes after administration of FMXIN002(NS002) 4.0 mg compared to 55% of subjects receiving the IM autoinjector. The absorption area under the curve for the first 4 minutes was significantly higher for NS002 4.0 mg (geometric mean: 7.49 h/pg/mL vs 2.06 h/pg/mL, respectively; P= 0.0377). The pharmacodynamic response and safety were comparable among all treatments. No serious adverse events occurred, all events were mild and self-resolved. FMXIN002(NS002) was highly stable at all tested conditions including 5 years at room temperature. Prof. Yuval Tal, Head of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Clinic at Hadassah Medical Center commented: "This study demonstrates that FMXIN002 (NS002) intranasal Epinephrine powder could enable faster and higher absorption of Epinephrine into the plasma during the short therapeutic window required for the treatment of anaphylaxis. I have followed the development of NS002 since its first in-human study and am excited about its potential as a simple, convenient, needle free alternative to IM Epinephrine. Intranasal Epinephrine dry powder represents a transformative advancement in anaphylaxis treatment. Unlike traditional autoinjectors - which are unavailable in many countries, require frequent replacement and often deter use due to needle phobia - this needle-free, compact, and user-friendly formulation could potentially offer in the future an alternative with a shelf life exceeding five years. Its design could facilitate easy and rapid administration, and its portability could allow individuals to carry multiple doses effortlessly. By addressing the limitations of current treatments, this innovation could have the potential to significantly improve accessibility and adherence, ultimately saving lives in emergency situations." About FMXIN002 (NS002) FMXIN002, also known as NS002, is a powder formulation of Epinephrine nasal spray developed by Nasus Pharma based on its unique intranasal powder proprietary technology. The Company believes that FMXIN002 (NS002) may enable people to deliver Epinephrine in emergency situations easily, rapidly, and with less hesitation, at the onset of an allergic reaction, as compared to currently available Epinephrine autoinjectors. FMXIN002 uses Aptar Pharma's Unidose nasal powder unit dose spray device – an intuitive and easy-to-use device with 360° functionality and precise one-dose nasal drug delivery. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction with a sudden onset that can occur within a few minutes, and unless treated promptly, could be fatal. There are approximately 40 million patients with type 1 allergies in the United States alone, of which approximately 20 million patients who experience severe type 1 allergic reactions that may lead to anaphylaxis. About Nasus Pharma Ltd. Based on its unique microsphere technology, Nasus Pharma is developing a number of intranasal powder products addressing acute emergency situations in the community such as anaphylactic shock and opioid overdose. Intranasal administration is most suitable for those situations in which rapid treatment is required and could offer multiple advantages such as rapid drug delivery, ease of use, non-invasiveness, and safety. Nasus Pharma's portfolio comprises a number of programs in different stages of development. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements. For example, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it discusses FMXIN002 (NS002) its development and potential benefits. These forward-looking statements and their implications are based on the current expectations of the management of the Company only and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact: Info@ Nasus Pharma Ltd. Israelhttps:// Logo - View original content: SOURCE Nasus Pharma
