By the Allergy Quebec team

For people living with food allergies, there’s no need to take any chances. Their adrenaline auto-injector must accompany them everywhere, and be used in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

The device, marketed under the EpiPen® and Allerject® brand names among others, contains a dose of epinephrine, which is the synthetic equivalent of adrenaline, a hormone produced by the body. It is an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by an allergen such as a food, insect stings or medication.

This medication must be used as directed by a healthcare professional and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Moreover, to remain effective, epinephrine must be stored at temperatures between 15 and 30°C. It is therefore important to protect your auto-injector in summer and winter.

Here are a few tips to help you optimize your auto-injector’s preservation when facing temperature changes.

During winter

• If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, the inside pocket of your coat is a good place to store your epinephrine.
• Don’t use a blanket, sleeping bag or cooler, as these accessories can’t ensure an ideal storage temperature.

During summer

• Consider using a cooling bag specially designed for storing this type of medication.
• If a cooling case is not available, place the auto-injector in a lunch box, cooler or insulated water bottle WITHOUT adding ice cubes, water, or ice packs.

In both summer and winter, never leave your auto-injector in your car or in the baggage hold of an airplane.

If you suspect that your auto-injector has been exposed to temperatures outside the suggested range of 15 and 30°C, it is best to replace it.

Occasionally, discoloration may occur if the medicine has not been adequately protected. We do not recommend that you rely solely on this criterion, as it is possible that a color change may take time to manifest itself after the auto-injector has been inadequately stored.

We hope these tips will help you to enjoy the outdoors safely!