EpiPens

[bryan]

I was outside during our nice weather here in Mass and actually saw a bee, which I am allergic to and it made me think. Are EpiPens safe for people with HCM?

[Sarah]

In general, HCMers want to avoid any kind of stimulant since tachycardia is not a good thing per se. However, as far as I'm aware, a bee sting trumps the risk.

Linda, your medical advice here?

S

[Linda]

Bryan, Call your doctor and ask specifically what you should do. He will consider your past reactions (local swelling, redness, and pain, or a true anaphylactic reaction with difficulty breathing, swollen tongue,etc). Depending on your situation, he may tell you alternatives. For instance, it may be possible to take benadryl immediately and avert a serious reaction. This is very individual and your doctor needs to taylor a plan for you. If you have a true anaphylactic reaction, you will most likely be calling 911 and they would have the capability of monitoring you, should you need treatment along the lines of an EpiPen. It is good to have these things worked out ahead of time, and I'm sure your question will have others checking out their options with their docs also. Sarah is right about the stimulant issue, but sometimes, benefit outweighs risk. Oh, by the way, it wouldn't hurt to ask both your internist and cardiologist to be sure they are in agreement. Linda

[bryan]

Thanks Sarah and Linda for your replys. I will ask both and let you know the answer.

Bryan

[bryan]

I saw Dr Maron today and asked him and he basically said what Sarah said. That if its the only thing for a bee sting its something you have to do.

[Sarah]

do I get my honorary medical degree now?

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Brian,
Sometimes we have to look at the better of the bad situations...IE if you have cancer..chemo is not easy on the heart...BUT you have to do what you have to do. If you need the EpirPen..then you NEED it and you have to do it to survive.
Let hope the bees stay away.
take care
Lisa