Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

If your child has allergies and specifically an Epi Pen carrier and attends school - do you send benadryl as well as the Epi pen? My DD got diagnosed late into the school year this year and I dropped her epi pen off at the school nurse for her. She said that they were not authorized to administer benadryl so I guess if my DD had a reaction she would have to go straight to the Epi pen?
I need to get more clarification as I didn't really get into it as it was close to the end of the year and she did have the epi pen but what do you guys do to handle this?

Thanks!

Re: Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

What's your protocol for reactions? I follow FAREs guidelines. Any known ingestion of an allergen requires an Epi, also a reaction w/ 2 systems involved (vomiting & rash for example) or any respiratory involvement would require an Epi. When would you use Benedryl? I was also under the impression that Benedryl can mask symptoms so you wouldn't know to use the Epi if it was actually needed.

ETA: make sure you send 2 Epinephrine injectors. They are a set (incase one is faulty).

Message edited 9/4/2015 5:19:44 AM.

Re: Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

Our school needed separate permission slips / forms signed by the dr saying to give Benadryl when necessary.bmaybe the school just needs a form ?

Re: Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

DD's allergist gave us a protocol sheet to follow. It gives instructions both for Benadryl and for her EpiPen. I just gave a copy of that along with a bottle of Benadryl and a pack of EpiPens to her daycare.

Re: Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

There is a protocol that your pediatrician/allergist requires and lists on the 504....my dd's says epipen used based on the knowledge of the ingestion or contact with a substance that causes rash along with some other reaction such as vomiting or respiratory distress etc ....once stable and 911 has already been called and on their way Benadryl is given

Eta two epipens are packed with the Benadryl and the protocol in a small pouch and given to the school nurse (504 form is sent in at the end of the yr to have it on file in time for the next school yr)

Message edited 9/4/2015 9:04:46 AM.

Re: Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

Yes. We see an allergist and he completes the required school paperwork for DS to have both Benadryl and epipen in school for his peanut/tree nut allergies.

The school needs doctors orders to administer any medication.

Which doctor prescribed the epipen? I would see an allergist if you haven't already. If you have, call and ask about Benadryl. It seems pretty standard for a more mild reaction/exposure.

Re: Allergies - Epi Pens - Benadryl

The newest guidelines call for no benadryl. Benadryl can mask anaphylaxis. I sent my son with no benadryl this year. Instructions are to epi on known ingestion or suspected ingestion.