I always worry that I may forget my son’s epipen at home, and sometimes I even find myself rehearsing how I would act under an emergency situation. Having an allergy kit readily available helps ease a stressful situation, and ensures a smoother handling of it.

So what to have in the allergy kit?

2 Epipens with different lot numbers: an Epipen gives you only a 20-minute window to reach proper medical care; so a second one may be needed. Also, make sure that both epipens have different lot numbers to safeguard the minor possibility of having them both from a defective batch.

ONE card that includes the following:

* Personal food allergy information: this includes the child’s name, date of birth, and what he is allergic to.
* Emergency contact numbers for anyone that can be contacted in case of an emergency situation including but not limited to relatives, your husband, and your child’s doctor: this would be useful in the event a stranger has to step in.
* Symptoms that warrant Epipen use: this could be a reminder for you or for the person taking care of your child.
* Written instruction on how to use an Epipen: just in case someone had to administer the Epipen and you were not “available”.

Here’s a sample card that I have drafted:

Sample Personal Allergy Information

Other things that you may want to include: a copy of your child’s medical insurance card, other medication (antihistamine, asthma medication…).

AND my number one advice, always remember to keep your phone CHARGED!

Where to keep the Allergy Kit? 

Make sure to keep it at a specific location at home that would be convenient and easy to spot and carry.