Stocked Epi Pens

[kelly wiman]

Well, I had to follow up with our Superintendent to see how implemented changes impacted the school system this past year, and, apparently had a positive impact.  However, when I asked about stocking Epi Pens here is his response.  Thoughts?
At this time, XXXX does not provide stock epinephrine at school sites.  Epinephrine requires a physician to authorize the prescriptions for all stock epinephrine at each site and no local physician has been willing to undertake the liability of writing this prescription.  The example you provided was from Madison County which  is one of only two state school districts where stock epi pens have been placed.

[SilverLining]

Does it actually require a prescription in your state?  In Canada it can be purchased with no prescription, but then you cannot claim on insurance or income taxes.

Many schools here have what they refer to as "generic epi-pen". It is the real epi-pen, but not assigned to a specific student.  As far as I know it can only be used on a student identified as having allergies.  (We have no nurses in our schools.)

~~~~

I think the company that sells epi-pens in the US will help you get them into the school.  That sound familiar to anyone?  Weren't they donating them?

[MandCmama]

Yes- our school nurse was able to get stock epi pens ( both reg and jr) in each of the district's 6 buildings. It was through the manufacturer of epi pen (allergan? Mylan?). I'm not sure if the promotion is still running or not. I'm fairly certain a script was not required.

[Stinky10]

same problem in my town.....bill passed but so far no rx for the school

[SilverLining]

Google is my friend.

http://epipen4schools.com

The link is to receive four free epi-pens per school.  It says a prescription is required, but I would suggest contacting them.  They may be willing to help convince someone to write the script,

[MandCmama]

Thanks silverlining- I can never get links or photos to work here.

[kelly wiman]

What is puzzling on Superintendent's email was that he copied a pediatrician who works for the school district now.  But because of 'liability' they do not want to stock them?  I don't follow the logic.

[rebekahc]

I can understand why some doctors (especially those who aren't allergy specialists) would be hesitant to write a prescription for someone other than their own patient.  My suggestion would be to have the super contact a good allergist for the Rx or have the school's pedi read the information about how to participate at the epipen4schools link for information/education about the need for stock epis.  From reading there, it looks like they can write a "standing order" instead of a Rx - that might be more comfortable for the school's pedi.