Back To School Basics For Food Allergic Children

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Nutrition / Diet;  Public Health
Article Date: 31 Aug 2007 - 0:00 PST

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More than 2.2 million school-age children have life-threatening food allergies and that number is expected to rise according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. For these children, heading back-to-school can spell increased risks unless prepared.

"Parents of food allergic children have to take an extra step when their children are in a school environment, but this is a topic that everyone should be aware of. Even if their child doesn't have severe food allergies, chances are one of their child's friends do," says leading New York-based allergist and immunologist, Clifford Bassett, M.D., F.A.C.A.A.I., F.A.A.A.A.I., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine and Otolaryngology, at SUNY -- Long Island College Hospital and Faculty of NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Bassett offers this advice for parents and caregivers of food allergic children:

Study-Up: Parents should check their state laws and school policies to see if children are allowed to bring epinephrine auto-injectors, the standard treatment for anaphylaxis or a severe reaction, to school as there are some states and school districts that ban these life-saving devices. The American Medical Association recently voted to lobby for a national law to allow children to carry their epinephrine auto-injectors, such as Verus Pharmaceuticals' Twinject(R), with them at all times, but until the bill is signed, it's important for parents to know and understand their local laws.

Have a Back-Up: Studies show that approximately one in three anaphylactic reactions require a second dose of epinephrine within minutes of the first dose. It's essential to keep a back-up dose of epinephrine on-hand. Twinject(R) is the only Food and Drug Administration approved auto-injector that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, easy-to-use compact and convenient device.

Know the Drill: A food allergic child can be their own best advocate from kindergarten through college. Parents should role play with their child so they are fully aware of what they are allergic to and can ask teachers, cafeteria staff and friends appropriate questions. In addition, it's important for children to know the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath and hives, and have key people to turn to, including school nurses, teachers, coaches and friends, in an emergency.

Be a Label Detective: Learn how to interpret and "de-code" food labels for hidden ingredients that may wreak havoc if a child has a food allergy. Even one-fiftieth of a teaspoon of a suspect allergen can cause a potentially life-threatening reaction in a severely food allergic child. Cross-contamination of cooking surfaces, utensils and cookware can pose a danger, especially if it's not communicated to cafeteria and restaurant staff. Preparing a "food allergen ingredient card" for the chef and kitchen staff to ensure a safe dining experience can help.

Create ICE Cards: Give children identification or In Case of Emergency (ICE) cards that have personalized information that includes their allergens, emergency contact info and what to do in an emergency. This can easily be handed to immediate caregivers in an emergency situation.

Make Time To Meet: Parents and caregivers should schedule a pre-meeting with school officials to educate them on their child's needs and talk to their local allergist to stay up to-date on the latest in food allergy management. Organizations like the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and parenting support groups offer great resources and information.

About Twinject

Twinject(R) auto-injector 0.3 and 0.15 mg (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1000) is indicated in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction including anaphylaxis to stinging and biting insects, allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances, and other allergens, as well as anaphylaxis to unknown substance or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Twinject is the only available product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device. This is an important feature, as published studies demonstrate that for approximately one in three patients, more than one dose of epinephrine may be required to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often needed within 10 minutes after the first dose. Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated that only 16 percent of patients carry two single-dose auto-injectors at all times. More information about anaphylaxis and Twinject is available on Verus' Twinject website at http://www.twinject.com.

About Verus

Verus Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to improving the lives of children and those who care for them. Verus is building a portfolio of products for the unmet medical needs of children through acquisitions and alliances, with an initial focus on the treatment of asthma, allergies, and related diseases and conditions. Verus is differentiated by its pediatric orientation and its strong financial position and experienced management team, which allows the company to capitalize on an extensive network to build its product portfolio and pursue complementary transactions. The company's rigorous, disciplined approach to strategic decision-making and core competencies in development and commercialization is expected to provide significant value to its partners. More information about Verus is available on the company's corporate website at http://www.veruspharm.com.

Verus(TM) and Twinject(R) are trademarks of Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

Verus Pharmaceuticals cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Verus that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Verus' business including, without limitation, statements about: its ability to identify appropriate acquisition, licensing, or co-development and/or promotion candidates in the future or be able to take advantage of the opportunities it identifies; difficulties or delays in developing, obtaining regulatory approval, manufacturing and commercializing its products; unexpected performance or side effects of its products that could delay or prevent development or commercialization, or that could result in recalls or product liability claims; the scope and validity of patent protection for its products; competition from other pharmaceutical companies; and its ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Verus undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Important Safety Information

Twinject is designed as an emergency supportive therapy only and is not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical care.

Side effects of Twinject may include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, weakness, tremor, dizziness, headache, sweating, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and/or breathing difficulty. Twinject should be used with extreme caution in people who have heart disease. There are no absolute contraindications to the use of epinephrine in a life threatening allergic reaction.

Epinephrine auto-injectors have fixed amounts of epinephrine. If the patient weighs less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms), please consult a physician.

Verus Pharmaceuticals
http://www.veruspharm.com

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