BajaNomad

EPIPEN available in farmacias?

Paulina - 2-1-2009 at 02:13 PM

This post is from Dern:

I was wondering if anyone has bought EPIPENs in a farmacia in Baja?

I got stung by a bee the other day and it wasn't good. I've been stung many times during my lifetime and only had a slight welt for a day and that was it. This was the first time I've had an allergic reaction. This is exactly what happend to me, minus the death part:

Severe Allergic Reaction:--Can commence rapidly (in a few minutes) after the sting occurs. The whole body is involved. Person may feel dizzy (lightheaded), nauseated and weak. There may be stomach cramps and diarrhea. There can be itching around the eyes, a warm feeling or coughing, hives breaking out, followed with vomiting and swelling. There can be wheezing, difficult breathing (shortness of breath) or swallowing, hoarse speech, drop in blood pressure, shock, unconsciousness and darkened skin following. Reactions may occur in a few minutes with most deaths within 30 minutes, but some within 15 minutes and some in five minutes or less.

I almost drove myself to the local fire dept. and I should have, but as soon as I made the decision to do it, I heard them taking off somewhere.

I need to know if I can get EPIPENs down in Baja, if not I have to get it up here before we go down for Spring Break.

I'm sure as hell glad that didn't happen over the summer in Bahia or I'd have been screwed. We had thousands of them swarming us because of our water, and I didn't know I was allergic at the time. Paulina got stung four times.

Hope someone can enlighten me. Thanks in advance.

DERN



[Edited on 1-2-2009 by Paulina]

Natalie Ann - 2-1-2009 at 02:20 PM

I don't believe the Epipens are available in Baja, Dern.
Last I heard it was illegal to dispense epinephrine in Mexico.

It is legal to have one's own Epipen with prescription from U.S. doctor.
I have the bee-sting issue (don't even wanta think how that translates to scorpions) and I've always carried a couple Epipens with me on trips South.

Nena

vandenberg - 2-1-2009 at 02:24 PM

I also had many assorted insect bites/stings over the years and never had a reaction till last year.
A single little bee sting made my arm/wrist swell up like a balloon. Blisters formed the next day and it took 2 weeks to subside. Doctor here in Loreto gave me some medication ( can't remember name ). Asked about epipens and was told they are "not" available in Baja.
At $ 85.00 a pop in Ca. I decided just to take my chances. Also, they do expire, so most just go to waste.

longlegsinlapaz - 2-1-2009 at 03:13 PM

Dern, I have an anaphylactic shock reaction to wasp stings & until a couple weeks ago have just had a bad, but localized reaction to bee stings. Because of the wasp allergy, I ALWAYS carry liquid Benadryl in my car & have a topical antihistamine at home, in addition to Benadryl in the refrigerator.

The hard part for me is to quickly identify what stung me! I immediately take a swig of Benadryl & apply the topical antihistamine. If it was a wasp, it's a no-brainer for me, I head for ER immediately. I can get from El Centenario to the Fidepaz Hospital in 14 minutes!:lol:

I was stung by a bee last week & while I had a severe local reaction, this time I also had the worst systemic reaction I've ever had from a bee sting. I was stung on my inner wrist (missed vein), upper palm to elbow swollen to the point of pain, got hotter than hell, I felt nauseous & had a slight headache for a week. I self-treated because it was a bee, but if I'd known how bad my reaction would be, I'd have probably gone to ER. Epipens are not available here & because they have a relatively short shelf life & I don't typically get nailed every year so never pursued keeping one on hand...then again, there have been some times I've been in ER 2-3 times within a 3-4 month period of time!

One other thing I've done is put pure bleach on bite of all kinds & it helps to neutralize the venom & minimize the reaction. I swear by bleach for mosquito bites! It depends on where I am & what's immediately available.

I'd say bring an epipen down, especially if you aren't going to be staying near a medical facility. I'd also make sure you have a liquid antihistamine in your car at all times; it gets into your system fast & starts working immediately. From the severity of my reactions, the docs at Fidepaz have told me if I hadn't taken Benadryl immediately, I probably wouldn't have made it into ER!:O

From personal experience of getting stung on the back of my tongue, I no longer drink from cans outside. One can of iced tea taught me that!:no:

There's a lot of information on the internet about both bee & wasp stings, check it out. With bees, you supposedly aren't supposed to have a stronger allergic reaction with each sting....Wasp stings do get more severe with each subsequent sting.

Natalie Ann - 2-1-2009 at 03:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Also, they do expire.....


.... and so do I when my throat swells shut and I can't breathe.:lol: I guess the crap-shoot on the expense depends on how bad has been your reaction to critter bites in the past.

I do know that the cost is covered by most health insurance companies... and it is formulary for Medicare recipients. Generally the cost of the co-pay for prescriptions is all you pay.

Nena

Paulina - 2-1-2009 at 04:15 PM

Thank you for all your replies. The funny thing is, he never had a reaction before this time. He's been stung by bees and scorpions before without a problem. In October he was hit by a sting ray, and now he's a walking time bomb.

I wasn't home, but talked to him on the phone. His tongue was so swollen that he could hardly talk. He looked like a painted horse, with the red welts on his pink skin all over his body. He was wearing flip flops and was stung between the toes. His foot swelled up four times it's size and lasted almost 4 days.

A pharmacisit friend of ours told me that he could also take Claritin as it won't knock him out like Benedril does. He goes loopy on that stuff!

I'm making him go to the doctor next week. He needs to be prepared for that random bee to fly in the window as we're cruising down Hwy 1.

P<*)))>{

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 04:23 PM

The key here is how quickly one can ingest/apply a remedy. There are liquid forms of benadryl, but not to my knowledge, any liquid Claritin. In times like that, you don't want to be waiting for a capsule or tablet to dissolve.

woody with a view - 2-1-2009 at 04:28 PM

i just saw an ad on tv for claritin liquid or gel tabs.

glad you survived!!!

bajalou - 2-1-2009 at 04:31 PM

I have had severe reactions to bee stings all my life - head to ER for a shot.

The funny thing is that the bee stings I get in Baja do not cause this reaction. I just get some swelling and itching for a few days. I keep a few Epipens around though, just in case.

BigWooo - 2-1-2009 at 05:05 PM

If you get a prescription for an Epi-pen, be sure you tell your physician that you may be in areas that are several hours from a hospital. Discuss a worst-case scenario with him/her and come up with a treatment plan. The doc may want you to combine the use of an Epi-pen and Benadryl (Diphenhydramine).

When you have a severe acute allergic reaction your body releases a disproportionate amount of histamines, which is what causes the symptoms. Epinephrine works rapidly to reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (Constriction of the airway being the most dangerous), but it does not treat the cause. Epinephrine is a relatively short acting medication; it can wear off in as little as 20 minutes. On occasion, the symptoms can re-appear when using Epinephrine alone. Your age and how healthy your heart is will determine if you are able to use a second Epi pen.

Benadryl is a longer acting medication and treats the cause (blocks the histamines that are causing the symptoms). When combined with Epinephrine it can keep the symptoms from reappearing. Benadryl works fine for a mild reaction but when used alone, it doesn’t reverse the symptoms of a rapidly progressing acute severe allergic reaction.

Make sure you have a treatment plan worked out with your doctor and discuss when...and when not to use an epi-pen. Also make sure both of you (and those traveling with you) are able to carry the plan out in case he becomes too incapacitated to self administer the medications.

longlegsinlapaz - 2-1-2009 at 05:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
I wasn't home, but talked to him on the phone. His tongue was so swollen that he could hardly talk. He looked like a painted horse, with the red welts on his pink skin all over his body. He was wearing flip flops and was stung between the toes. His foot swelled up four times it's size and lasted almost 4 days.

P<*)))>{


Paulina, Dern was in some degree of anaphylactic shock, he's lucky his throat didn't close!! You gotta impress upon him that he should have sought medical treatment. He's extremely lucky! He might not be so lucky next time! There are other liquid antihistamines other than Benadryl, but I'm guessing since the main ingredient is the same, they may all make him "loopy". Would he prefer death over "loopy"? If he's alone & doesn't seek medical help, he could pass out.........etc!:no: He needs to understand how serious this can be!

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 05:21 PM

I've been there, and it isn't pretty. to this day, I have no idea what caused it.

Paulina - 2-1-2009 at 05:29 PM

Thanks LLILP. I can't wait for him to read your post!! I was telling him to go, but you know how some guys can be...

I don't think he'll be so likely to throw caution to the wind next time.

P<*)))>{

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 06:47 PM

The faster the response the better. that's why even gel caps are not the best idea. there's even somwhat of a placebo effect if you can swallow a liquid versus a pill or gel cap.

I have never understood the Mexican pharma thing. While you can buy a whole panoply of drugs over the counter in MX that require a prescription in the States, they are very strict about other drugs and require you to go to a hospital to get them. Valium amd Prozac over the counter. Xanax- go to a hospital.

As far as the Epi pens are concerned, and all else like ephenedrine, I'm pretty sure that the control in Mexico is more about placating the U.S. government than anything else.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 07:25 PM

Don't forget 911 in Mexico (for all the newbies reading this post) is 066. Or at least last I heard. It may be different in your area.

I use benedryl when I get mosquito bites and apply an ice pack, cuz they itch like h*ll, and drive me crazy!

Terry28 - 2-1-2009 at 08:49 PM

As a firefighter for the last 30 years I can support Soulpatch 100%..follow that advice and you should be well on the way to recovery.

marv sherrill - 2-2-2009 at 06:15 PM

Many times insurance will cover epipens - very dumb not to have one if you are allergic - I have one in my car, camera case, house and boat! - In LA bay had to drive to the clinic - got a shot and recovered in 5 minutes! total cost $5.00!

Paulina - 2-2-2009 at 08:27 PM

Point taken regarding not driving himself to the Firestation. Marv, it's nice to know that they had something at the clinic in Bahia to help you out when you needed it. There's no 911 type of service down there!

Thank you again for all the replies. You've all been very helpful.

P. for D.

Paulina - 2-2-2009 at 09:41 PM

Thank you soulpatch. He's going to hook up with some prior to our next trip down. It's comforting to know that you'd be there in a pinch.

P.

Bajahowodd - 2-3-2009 at 12:35 AM

Maybe someone can clarify the emergency phone number in Baja. I have variously seen 066, and 060. I've also seen posts on the internet stating that whichever the number, it's nowhere near what we have become used to in the states- Sometimes, no one answers.

longlegsinlapaz - 2-3-2009 at 07:47 AM

066 = Medical Emergencies/Accidents
060 = Fires

I personally would NOT call 066 & sit wherever waiting patiently for a medical response team to show up; they are too far & few in this country.

And for the people who say NEVER drive yourself; in the states with the 911 system & relatively rapid response, I'd totally agree; what I've done on the occasions I've been alone, is call a Mexican friend to give her a head-up that WE'RE going to ER, drive 5 minutes to pick her up & haul burro for the hospital. I self-monitor for the first sign of dizzyness/light headedness & would pull over to let her drive; but she simply is not comfortable, nor experienced driving at the speed needed to get to ER in the time I do. If she were driving, I'd end up in the mortuary rather than ER!:lol:

David K - 2-3-2009 at 08:50 AM

Dern, my son Chris had developed a bee sting allergy when he got stung one too many times (about age 11). His doctor provided the perscription for the epi-pen, and from then on, we always had one in the glove box on our Baja trips or at home, when at home... School nurse keeps one of the two we get each time they expire. Costco has a great price for them. Oh, and as confirmed above... epi-pens are NOT available in Baja... just benadryl for treatment.

[Edited on 2-3-2009 by David K]

longlegsinlapaz - 2-3-2009 at 12:31 PM

I'm sorry you feel that way Soulpatch. Except for possibly the mortuary comment, nothing in my post was meant to be "cute". I know from personal experience that allergic reactions often worsen exponentially. I live in a country where epipens aren't available. I don't travel to the states periodically like so many others do. There is no fast or reliable emergency response system here, so 911 or 066 is not an option for me. I've adapted a fast response that works to get me to ER as fast as possible. I do understand where you coming from thinking I'm acting irresponsible in driving, but living alone doesn't leave me too many other viable options. I take Benadryl as I'm calling my friend who lives 5 minutes from me on off-hwy dirt roads and I'm in the car before I feel any reaction beyond pain at the sting site. I've never driven into ER alone. I feel I've come up with a plan that works for me, for where I am, for my personal circumstances & my knowledge of my physical reactions. I'm not in denial about the fact that my solution may not be as effective in the future as it has been in the past.

If you have any viable suggestions; given my circumstances & location; for me to act more responsibly, I'd be happy to hear them.
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Allergic reactions often worsen exponentially.
Why don't you take the simple step if you have known severe reactions of getting yourself some epinephrine?
When you are truly having a significant and potentially life threatening reaction, along with an impending sense of doom, comes a STRONG denial reaction.
Your response is not cute.

Quote:
Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
066 = Medical Emergencies/Accidents
060 = Fires

And for the people who say NEVER drive yourself; in the states with the 911 system & relatively rapid response, I'd totally agree; what I've done on the occasions I've been alone, is call a Mexican friend to give her a head-up that WE'RE going to ER, drive 5 minutes to pick her up & haul burro for the hospital. I self-monitor for the first sign of dizzyness/light headedness & would pull over to let her drive; but she simply is not comfortable, nor experienced driving at the speed needed to get to ER in the time I do. If she were driving, I'd end up in the mortuary rather than ER!:lol:

Timo1 - 2-3-2009 at 12:59 PM

Dern
I'm one of the lucky ones...I have about 1 hour to get an epi shot
If I don't get excited
I was never allergic till I got stung 32 times in one hit!!!
Have access to an epipen
Here in Canada epipens are sold over the counter
I never realized there was such a need for fellow Nomads and will
be bringing a few down with us next nov.
Ours have one needle good for 3 injections with the pills to keep the throat open
Our cost....about$30
Don't take a chance on this...Its serious