Glenn Kotnik, MD, Zionsville, IN writes in response to Phil Crafts September answer concerning EpiPen use, calling it “right on.” Dr. Kotnik adds some information to Phils, finding the use of EpiPens more than “worrisome.” Specific drawbacks include the fact that the pen is expensive, requires a prescription and periodically needs to be replaced. Turns out the prescription is fairly easy to obtain and insurance will often pay for the pen, but its only for the beekeeper buying and using the pen on themselves. If the beekeeper uses the pen on somebody else and insurance pays for it, this is tantamount to fraud! Dr. Kotnik, along with Phil, recommends calling 911 and waiting for trained help to arrive with a valid pen in hand. Phil concludes: “Administering prescription medication to someone for whom it has not been prescribed should always be a last resort—not a planned reaction to a sting.” Theres the rub, of course. If someone goes into shock, certainly not a planned event, and help is not available, whats a person with a pen to do? Dr. Kotnik concludes that EpiPen use shouldnt become a legislative requirement, because “If, heaven forbid, litigation arose from a sting, the plaintiffs council (sic) could fault the beekeeper for not having an EpiPen.” But couldnt the same argument be used to blame beekeepers for not having a pen at all times? A reply to Phil in this months Bee Culture takes him to task on his reply, emphasizing that “in a timely manner” and “training” are missing in his reply and might influence those who would keep an EpiPen at hand. In Florida, certification training exists for beekeepers that provides an extra level of protection in case EpiPen use is required. And in some states school teachers and others are trained. This is something that might be true in other states, eliminating some of the risks noted by Dr. Kotnik. Phil concludes his answer with a quote from the original questioner, a nurse who said: “ I have seen many, many, many mild and moderate reactions from a variety of causes which warranted treatment. In some cases because of medical comorbidities, we just gave the diphenhydramine (Benadryl) because the risk of giving epinephrine was too great.” sample.beeculture/default.aspx?bhcp=1
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:39:19 +0000
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