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Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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Anaphylaxis Awareness Week 2019

6th-12th May 2019  

Join us and hundreds of others across the country to show solidarity and support whilst raising awareness and funds for people affected by severe allergies!

To celebrate our  25th Anniversary, we want our fundraising this year to be bigger and better than ever.

To help you we’ve designed posters with fundraising ideas to get you started

 

But if you have other ideas on the best way to raise awareness and funds for The Anaphylaxis Campaign we are here to help

  • Wear our infamous Orange wig
  • Buy one of our AC branded wristbands
  • Sign up for one of our national events
  • Get a team together and get involved in a local event
  • Host your own fundraising event – we have bunting, information materials and other products to help you make an impact

Donate to our fantastic London Marathon Team, who all have their own personal reasons for running in this years 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon

Email [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved!

 

Have you been prescribed an Emerade Adrenaline Auto-Injector? Temporary supply issue

21st October 2016 by anaphylaxis

Update – 28th October 2016,

Emerade 500mcg as well as 300 & 150mcg doses are now in stock across the UK network and available for patients.

—————————————————————————————————–

We have been informed by the suppliers of Emerade that there was a temporary shortage of the 500mcg due to increased demand, but we have been assured that supplies should be available in pharmacies by the middle to end of next week.

Please contact our helpline if you have any concerns – 01252 542029, or email [email protected]

 

Filed Under: Corporate News, Healthcare News, Member News, News, Patient

Growing epidemic is a sting in the tail for wasp allergy sufferers

13th September 2016 by anaphylaxis

Allergy sufferers are being urged to stay aware of the symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis as the UK moves into the height of wasp season.

The risk of getting stung by a wasp highest in September and the recent heatwave has intensified risk even further.

As the height of the wasp season approaches, a national campaign supported us is highlighting the dangers of anaphylaxis from wasp stings and the importance ofALK_Infographic_small_5 awareness, prevention and treatment options to beat the condition. The call from the charity comes in September, the month when wasps in the UK are most active and the most critical time to be vigilant against wasp sting allergies.

The prevalence of allergy in the UK has been increasing at an alarming rate over the last 20 years – so much so, that the number of hospitalisations caused by severe allergies have increased by seven fold in the last decade1.

Professor. Steve O’Hickey (Consultant with a special interest in Allergy) from Royal Worcester Hospital said: “The exact reason for this growing allergy epidemic across the UK is unclear, but it is likely attributable to three key factors: a general increase in incidence; an increase in the severity of these incidents; an increase in the complexity of these more severe and common incidents.

“Seasonal allergies, especially insect allergies, are becoming increasingly common and as the latter end of the summer approaches we do receive an increase in incidents of anaphylaxis as a result of wasp stings.

“Through the Bee Resistant campaign, we’re aiming to raise awareness by explaining the dangers and signs to look out for, as well as the treatments that are available within the NHS that can reduce the worry of sufferers and their families.”

To add to the woes of allergy sufferers, the recent heatwave is set to further increase the aggression and persistence of wasps – as it becomes uncomfortably hot for them inside their nests – meaning a higher chance of getting stung2. Hot weather also leads to improved breeding conditions for wasps and a higher prevalence of the insects they feed on, meaning they are more likely to thrive and be higher in numbers than would normally be the case.

Lynne Regent, CEO, Anaphylaxis Campaign said: “September is about enjoying the last of the warm weather but for those who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to a wasp sting in the past, it’s a time of increased anxiety as the chances of getting stung – potentially fatally – significantly increase.

“The Bee Resistant campaign is about raising awareness of anaphylaxis and educating the public on the dangers and symptoms to look out for, as well as the treatments that are available that can dramatically reduce the potentially life-threatening effects of getting stung.”

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states stings caused more than 70% of all deaths from anaphylaxis in the UK between 1992 and 20013.

1% of the UK population is at risk of a sting that can provoke an allergic reaction and a small minority of these people will go on to develop the potentially fatal allergic symptoms of anaphylaxis4.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include itching commonly affecting the palms, soles, groin area and scalp, general hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, faintness or dizziness and a feeling of fear or impending doom.

In case of an emergency5:

  • If an adrenaline device is available, use it without delay if you believe the reaction is severe, or becoming severe
  • Dial 999 and call an ambulance immediately – say that the person is suffering from anaphylaxis
  • Keep the patient as still as possible
  • If they recover quickly, it is still important to go to hospital for observation or visit their GP in case of delayed or repeated reactions

Local (i.e. at the site of the sting) allergic reactions do not require emergency treatment, cold compresses or pain killers can be used to quell the burning sensation caused by the sting. Keeping a swollen limb elevated can also help to ease the pain and antihistamines can be taken to help reduce swelling and itching. For people who suffer from a large local reaction, steroids can help to speed up the healing process. The earlier they are used the more effective they are. In the case of a larger reaction which may require steroids, always seek advice from a doctor or nurse first.

Sufferers who have experienced severe allergic reactions should be referred to an NHS allergy clinic for further assessment. In people with confirmed allergy, a longer term solution may be venom immunotherapy treatment (VIT) which can change the way a patient’s immune system reacts when stung and is effective in preventing anaphylaxis in the future.

VIT has to be administered in specialist clinics by medical professionals – there are about 60 NHS specialist allergy centres around the UK.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.beeresistant.com or follow us on Twitter @BeeResistant. If you are concerned about anaphylaxis, visit your GP or contact our helpline on 01252 542029.

Filed Under: Corporate, Corporate News, Healthcare, Healthcare News, Member News, News, Patient

Statement – EpiPen pricing situation in the US – 26th August 2016

26th August 2016 by anaphylaxis

You may have seen recent news reports about an increase in the cost of EpiPens in the US.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3759191/Sarah-Jessica-Parker-steps-face-Mylan-company-EpiPen-price-hike-CEO-s-senator-dad-Joe-Manchin-raises-concerns.html

This may affect patients on a low income in the US and we have been in contact with the patient organisation we work closely with in the USA, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).

FARE have produced this statement.

https://www.foodallergy.org/press-room/fare-statements/082416#.V7_7KPkrKM9

Will this affect us in the UK?  The answer to this is no.  The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) is the mechanism used by the UK Department of Health to ensure that the NHS has access to good quality branded medicines at reasonable prices. It involves a non-contractual agreement between the UK Department of Health and The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). The scheme applies to all branded, licensed medicines available on the NHS. The purpose of the scheme is to achieve a balance between reasonable prices for the NHS and a fair return for the pharmaceutical industry.

Also due to the NHS – drug pricing changes do not affect patients directly.

In the UK two other adrenaline auto-injectors are also available Jext and Emerade, so the EpiPen does not have such a monopoly.

We hope this reassures you if you are prescribed an EpiPen. If you have any further queries please contact our helpline 01252 542029 or email [email protected]

Filed Under: Corporate News, Member News, News, Patient, Professional News Tagged With: Adrenaline Auto Injector

Latex allergy the facts – our updated Factsheet is now available

22nd August 2016 by anaphylaxis

Rubber Latex (NRL) is obtained as a milky fluid from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is widely grown in South East Asia and elsewhere in the world. It is found in latex treethousands of everyday consumer and healthcare items.

Reports of allergy to Natural Rubber Latex became increasingly common in the 1980s and 1990s and severe reactions can occur. We know of no studies that have determined the number of people affected but there have been suggestions that it is one per cent of the UK population.

There are two types of latex allergy:

  • Type I: This is an immediate reaction to proteins in the latex and is potentially life-threatening. Anaphylaxis – the most severe form of allergy – can occur.
  • Type IV: This is a delayed reaction to chemicals used in the latex manufacturing process. Symptoms occur between 6 and 48 hours after exposure and affect the skin.Type IV latex allergy is not life threatening. Its effects can range from a mild, localized skin reaction to an extremely unpleasant and itchy rash.

This factsheet aims to answer some of the questions which you and your family might have about living with latex allergy. Our aim is to provide information that will help you to understand how to treat an allergic reaction should it occur, avoid latex products and minimise the risk of a reaction. If you know or suspect you are allergic to latex, the most important message is to visit your GP and seek a referral to a specialist – even if your symptoms have so far been mild.

Access the factsheet here.  We are also planning to run a webinar on Latex allergy in the autumn.

Filed Under: Corporate News, Healthcare News, Member News, News, Patient, Professional News

Spare Pens in Schools Campaign

For two years the Anaphylaxis Campaign – together with Allergy UK, the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), the British Paediatric Allergy Immunity and Infection Group (BPAIIG), and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) – campaigned for a change in the law to allow schools, pre-schools and nurseries to hold generic adrenaline auto-injectors, and ensure they have sufficient trained staff to operate the device in case of an emergency.

We are delighted that the Campaign has been successful. From 1st October 2017, the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 has allowed schools in the UK to buy adrenaline auto-injector devices (known as AAIs) without a prescription to use in an emergency on children who are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis) but whose own device is not available or not working. This could be because their AAI(s) are broken, or out-of-date, for example.

Our helpline and information team have answered frequently asked questions we have received through our national helpline from school nurses and school staff about spare pens in schools and The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017. Links to guidance for schools and our top tips and advice are here.

Purchasing Adrenalin Auto-Injector (AAI)Generic Pens for Schools

The DOH Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools 2017 sets out that schools can purchase AAIs from a pharmaceutical supplier, such as a local pharmacy, without a prescription, provided the general advice relating to these transactions are observed: i.e. small quantities on an occasional basis and the school does not intend to profit from it. A supplier will need a request signed by the principal or head teacher (ideally on appropriate headed paper) stating:

  • the name of the school for which the product is required;
  • the purpose for which that product is required, and
  • the total quantity required.

A template letter which can be used for this purpose is provided in Appendix 1, and can also be downloaded at: www.sparepensinschools.uk

Please note that pharmacies are not required to provide AAIs free of charge to schools: the school must pay for them as a retail item. The retail price is circa £26 and your local pharmacy may add a small handling charge.

We are aware that some schools are being charged substantially more than this. Please do contact The Anaphylaxis Campaign Help Line if you have concerns regarding the cost of Adrenalin Auto Injectors.  Telephone 01252 542029

Our FREE online anaphylaxis training course AllergyWise for Schools is designed to ensure that key staff in schools are fully aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, how to provide emergency treatment and the implications for management of severely allergic children from Key Stages 1 to 5 in an education setting. Find out more and register here.

 

European Medicines Agency (EMA) Review of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

12th July 2016 by anaphylaxis

On 25 June 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended several measures, including the introduction of more effective educational material, to ensure that patients and carers use adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) successfully.

Adrenaline auto-injectors are potentially life-saving treatments for anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) while the patient waits for emergency medical assistance.  In the UK the following brands are available – Emerade, Jext and EpiPen.

The EMA carried out a review of adrenaline auto-injectors following concerns that currently available devices may deliver adrenaline under the skin instead of into a muscle, and this may delay response to treatment.

Having assessed all the available data, EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) acknowledged that giving the medicine by injection into the muscle is the preferred way to obtain a rapid response in anaphylaxis. However, the CHMP noted that several factors may affect whether adrenaline is actually delivered into a muscle; these include needle length, the thickness of fat under the skin, the way the auto-injector works (e.g. if it is spring loaded or not), the angle at which the device is placed on the skin and the force used to activate the device as well as how well the user follows the instructions for injection.

The CHMP also concluded that further data should be generated to better understand how adrenaline penetrates body tissues when given with each of the different auto-injectors.  This means there will be further clinical trials to try to establish his.

The CHMP recommendation was sent to the European Commission which endorsed it and issued a legally binding decision that is valid throughout the EU.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign has followed this through with the MHRA, and we will continue to keep you updated on this review.

Key points for people prescribed AAIs

  • Adrenaline auto-injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions, while the patient awaits emergency medical assistance. They are designed so that they can be easily used by the patient themselves or a carer
  • The review of adrenaline auto-injectors showed that patients could benefit from further training to use the auto-injector successfully.
  • You will receive training from your doctor or nurse on how to use your adrenaline auto-injector. Training devices are available so that you can practise with it before you need the auto-injector in an emergency. A training video will be produced to show you in detail how to use the injector properly. Please be aware that we also produce training called AllergyWise which contains comprehensive information on the correct use of AAIs in an emergency – this is available for free for our members.  Find out more here.
  • It is important that you use the auto-injector correctly so that the adrenaline is delivered into your muscle and works as quickly as possible.
  • If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto?injector because you are at risk of severe allergic reactions, you should ensure you are familiar with it and carry it with you at all times.
  • It is likely that your doctor will recommend that you carry two injectors, in case a second dose is needed while you wait for emergency assistance. The Anaphylaxis Campaign actively campaigns that two devices are prescribed and carried at all times by patients.
  • Your family members, carers or teachers should also be instructed in the correct use of your auto-injectors.
  • If you have any question or concern, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact our helpline team – 01252 542029, email [email protected].

Filed Under: Corporate News, Member News, News, Patient

Brexit and the EU Food regulations – what next?

29th June 2016 by anaphylaxis

Following Britain’s exit from the EU, concerns have been raised as to whether the European Food Information for Consumers regulation (FIC), that became enforceable from December 2014, will still apply. We contacted the Food Standards Agency and received the following response from a spokesperson:

“The FSA’s priority is to ensure that food is safe; and consumers can make informed and safe food choices. Although the British public have voted to leave the EU, all existing legal requirements remain in force. The UK remains a member of the EU until it has negotiated its exit and will continue to comply with EU food and feed legislation during this time. All UK businesses will need to continue to comply with all EU legislation, including the allergen regulations.”

June 2016

Filed Under: Corporate News, Healthcare News, Member News, News, Patient

The Allergen Epidemic – The next big food topic…, By Barry Moore, Trustee of the Anaphylaxis Campaign and Performance Director at Gather and Gather

22nd June 2016 by anaphylaxis

Barry MooreThe recent landmark case that jailed an Indian restaurant owner for his blatant disregard for the due care of a customer with a severe nut allergy, resulting in a fatality, has made the food service industry sit up and take note. The case highlights that the failing, of an operator, in not following the legal requirement can result in a catastrophic consequence for the allergic customer and the operator’s business.

Unfortunately the rise and increasing prevalence of people with severe food allergies has caught many on the back foot. Although we saw the European FIR law introduced in December 2014, which was welcomed by the growing allergic community, the law did not make every food service outlet across Europe suddenly compliant over-night. The law met lots of resistance by many food operators who simply had a lack of awareness about allergies. Much like Doctors who left medical school more than a decade ago, most food service managers and chefs, who recently left catering college, have never received any specific allergy training – so everyone is playing catch-up.  Both the food industry and the NHS are facing an epidemic that requires Government action to support education.

So why have allergies become so prevalent – we just don’t know for sure. There are many theories that range from our guts becoming too clean to recent generations eating foods that their parents and grand-parents would have never consumed. There are some significant research projects underway which will bring more clarity to this over time. Until then the food industry has work to do.

I joined the Anaphylaxis Campaign, as I have a daughter with a severe allergy and importantly have experienced, over the past 12 years, what it is like to eat out with such a condition. I felt a calling to help the food industry, which has been good to me, to improve the quality of life for the allergic customer by better arming the industry to manage the issue in a pragmatic way. Having lived through an experience where you were assured the food ordered had no nuts, only to find there were peanuts in the dish, turns you into a neurotic father, with the nagging thought that the next mouth-full could possibly kill your nearest and dearest.   This experience has significantly raised my awareness as a food service operator.

David Reading, one of the founders of the Anaphylaxis Campaign talks further about progress made but the challenges faced.

“Clearly the regulation does put some pressure on caterers, particularly those that have hardly given food allergy a second thought. In practice what they must do is

Picture by Philip Hollis for Daily Telegraph  Health           4-9-14 20th anniversary of the Anaphylaxis campaign. Anaphylaxis Campaign founder David Reading, who lost his daughter Sarah to anaphylactic shock, 20 years ago

Picture by Philip Hollis for Daily Telegraph Health 4-9-14
20th anniversary of the Anaphylaxis campaign. Anaphylaxis Campaign founder David Reading, who lost his daughter Sarah to anaphylactic shock, 20 years ago

collect allergen ingredient information from suppliers, make sure it is recorded and have a robust system of communicating it to their customers.

Many establishments have understood this correctly and so occasionally you will see signs stating something to the effect of: “If you would like information on the allergen content of our foods, please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to assist.”

At the top end of the ‘best practice’ scale operators display files of printed ingredient information covering every dish on the menu.

One restaurant chain invites customers to use an online “menu builder” based on their dietary requirements. Customers choose their options (e.g. nut-free, fish-free, celery-free, vegetarian) from a panel of tick boxes. Suitable meal options then appear on screen.

An informal survey by staff and volunteers at the Anaphylaxis Campaign also found:

  • Schools that provides printed allergen information for all meals including teas served at cricket matches
  • Pub staff who have taken photos of food package labels on their phones to show to any allergic customer who asks about a particular dish
  • A hotel room service menu that uses a key and different initials for allergens present in different dishes, for example F for “contains fish” and E for “contains egg”
  • A leading hotel where the shift manager takes charge of the whole meal. He or she checks the hotel ingredient records, briefs the chef, brings out the food and even changes the cutlery. A chef cooks the allergic person’s meal from scratch in an ‘allergy area’ in the kitchen

All these improvements have taken place since the new regulations came into force. We would expect that gaps in knowledge still exist – for example, could all staff members name each of the 14 top allergens? Probably not. But these gaps can be addressed through training sessions – something that many managers have already set up.

Unfortunately, even with the new regulations in place many caterers still miss the mark. Our survey found that some provide no allergen information whatsoever nor do they display signage inviting people to ask questions. Some establishments print a general disclaimer stating that any of the dishes may contain allergens. At a village hotel, an allergic customer asked about the salad dressing, the stuffing and the desserts but the staff couldn’t answer. On taking a bread roll from a help-yourself trolley, the customer found small pieces of nut. The staff admitted it was walnut bread but there had been no indication of this.

An undercover investigation into takeaways by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found an even bleaker picture. Over two thirds failed to provide legally required information on how customers could find out if the 14 major allergens were in their food. Over half were unable to state whether their food contained an allergen. Record-keeping was poor in many of the outlets.”

Barry then adds, “The protest letter to the media signed by 100 top chefs and restaurateurs has had at least one positive result for the Campaign. It provided the charity with the impetus to set up a panel of food industry experts who will help us determine how to shape and evolve an awareness programme to achieve further education and awareness.

Given my own personal experience and my role in championing, at board level, a progressive and proactive approach to allergen management at Gather & Gather, it was an honour to be asked to chair the corporate food panel which has a membership that span food production, retail, restaurant, research and industry bodies . Although still in our first year we have formed a tight bond and commitment to help the industry and are currently working on a ‘hard hitting’ Campaign to raise awareness. We plan to make a positive impact.”

Anaphylaxis Campaign’s Corporate Conference

We are hosting our annual corporate conference on September 19th and tickets are still available. Along with a great line up of speakers we also have the QC who prosecuted the recent curry house case.

For more details:

https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/product/2016-annual-corporate-conference/

Find out more about corporate membership – which provides fantastic value.

https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/anaphylaxis-campaign-corporate-membership/anaphylaxis-campaign-corporate-membership-2/

 

Filed Under: Corporate News, News, Patient, Professional News

Increase in anaphylaxis deaths in Australia- food, medication and insect related

8th June 2016 by anaphylaxis

A study has just been published in Australia re fatalities due to anaphylaxis

The aim of the study was “to determine whether Australian anaphylaxis fatalities are increasing in parallel and to examine the characteristics of fatalities recorded in the National Coronial Information System (NCIS).”

324 anaphylaxis fatalities recorded by cause:

unspecified (n = 205);

medication (n = 52);

insect stings/tick bites (n = 41);

food (n = 23)

blood products(n = 3).

  • Fatality rates from anaphylaxis in Australia increased by 6% per year between 1997-2013. This contrasts with recent UK and USA data, which show no such increase.
  • Fatal food anaphylaxis increased by 9.7% per year
  • There was an insignificant change in medication-related fatalities and sting/bite fatalities remained unchanged.
  • Medication- and sting/bite-related fatalities occurred predominantly in older individuals with multiple comorbidities.
  • Upright posture after anaphylaxis was associated with risk of sudden death (all causes).
  • Seafood (not nuts) was the most common trigger for food-related anaphylaxis deaths.

Food allergy:

  • Most food allergic reactions occurred in young males with asthma, after consuming their allergic trigger by mistake away from home. Only a minority of these cases were given adrenaline early enough, with many treated for asthma first and anaphylaxis second
  • The most common overall trigger was seafood.  with peanut/tree nuts implicated in 4 of 6 deaths in those aged < 20 years ( milk and wheat were the other 2).
  • Most deaths occurred when eating outside the home.
  • Of 5 fatalities occurring at home, 2 occurred after preceding restaurant meals.
  • Upright posture was associated with sudden cardiovascular collapse in 15 individuals (including 5 being driven to hospital).
  • Most individuals (68%) with food-related deaths had asthma.
  • Twenty of twenty-two individuals were known to be allergic to the trigger food (7 with previous anaphylaxis)
  • An AAI prescription was recorded in only six individuals.
  • On the two occasions when an AAI was used, it was misfired on one occasion and delayed (> 20 min) in the second; that person was treated for asthma first and adrenaline administered when they failed to respond.
  • Attending ambulances administered adrenaline on nine occasions (2 with prolonged delay > 20 min) with the remaining individuals only receiving adrenaline after ambulance transfer to hospital.
  • CPR was instituted on 14 occasions by those on the scene, but delayed until the ambulance arrived or until arrival at hospital (two and one case, respectively).
  • A coroner’s inquest was held in only four cases.

Key messages:

Many findings similar to fatality studies from the UK , so risk factors remain the same:

e.g. upright posture risk; food-related deaths plus asthma link; delay in administering adrenaline.

However, fatalities in Australia have increased over the 15yrs covered by the study as opposed to figures remaining stable in the UK.

 

Filed Under: Corporate News, Healthcare News, Member News, News, Patient

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