Epinephrine is a drug that treats severe allergic reactions in an emergency. Epinephrine auto-injectors, generally known as EpiPens, are medical devices for injecting a measured dose of epinephrine to quickly and safely reduce severe allergic reactions.
The individual often feels better in five to 15 minutes following the injection and can get long-term treatment if needed. Approximately 25 percent of children are at risk of a severe allergy but are unaware of it.
Iowa is currently one of only four states that do not authorize the use of EpiPens in schools without a prescription. That would change under SF 462, recently approved by the Senate. The bill allows schools to maintain a supply of EpiPens and for healthcare professionals or trained individuals to administer them if a student has a severe allergic reaction.
EpiPen injections are safe and cause no harm. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies donate EpiPens at no cost to school districts. Schools are not required to maintain a supply of EpiPens under the bill, but if they choose to do so, there is a free source.
SF 462 could save lives by allowing our schools to better prepare for unfortunate instances when a student has a severe allergic reaction that was previously undiagnosed.