Allergy kits are prescribed by physicians to patients who have a history of severe asthma or life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. The kits usually contain at least one injectable dose of the drug epinephrine, which reverses anaphylaxis symptoms such as wheezing, breathing difficulties and intense itching. The drug works by constricting the blood vessels, preventing fluid leakage, opening the airways and raising blood pressure.

The medication delivery system in allergy kits is available in two forms: auto-injection or needle and syringe. Each allergy kit should contain the following basic supplies:

• Instructions for how and when to use the kit
  
  
• Sterilizing swabs to cleanse the skin before and after injection
  
  
• At least one dose of epinephrine
  
  
• Antihistamine tablets to relieve lesser symptoms associated with anaphylaxis (antihistamines are not included in all allergy kits, and some physicians do not consider them an essential component)

Patients who receive allergy kits must closely follow their physician’s instructions for use. In addition, loved ones and caretakers should be taught how to inject the medication in case circumstances prevent self-injection. It is especially important to replace the epinephrine dosage when the drug expires, usually after 18 months. Tips for storing epinephrine properly include:

• Store out of the reach of children.
  
  
• Store away from heat and direct light.
  
  
• Do not store in damp places, including bathrooms or near kitchen sinks.
  
  
• Keep medicine from freezing.
  
  
• Safely discard outdated medicine to ensure that children and pets cannot access it. Patients can take expired kits to their physician's office or a hospital for proper disposal.
  
  
• A dose of epinephrine should be clear. Patients should not use the medication if it is discolored (turns pinkish or brownish) or contains particles.

Because allergy kits contain only one or two doses of medication, it is not uncommon for people to have more than one kit available. People may also choose to keep allergy kits in multiple places, such as in the home and at the workplace. For children, a kit can be kept at school or day care, as well as in the home.

It is important to note that allergy kits should never be left in a car. The inside temperature of a car can soar to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in the summer or dip well below freezing in the winter (depending on its location). High temperatures can destroy the epinephrine, leaving it ineffective, and low temperatures can cause the contents to freeze, also weakening the potency significantly.

Studies have found that injection into the muscle tissue is more effective than simply injecting the drug under the skin. Epinephrine also appears to be more effective when injected into the outer thigh than when delivered into the deltoid muscle of the shoulder.

Patients should refrain from injecting epinephrine into their hands or feet, where blood flow is naturally lower than in other areas of the body. Accidental injection into these areas requires immediate medical attention to prevent tissue damage.

Epinephrine doses may be repeated if necessary – with a waiting time between doses (usually 15 minutes). However, a patient should always head to an emergency room after self-administering a dose of the drug.

Allergy kits are available only through a physician’s prescription. Studies have shown that many patients complain of poor instruction about how to use auto-injectors. Patients should receive a full explanation of how to use the kit from a physician. Patients also should not hesitate to ask any questions about allergy kit use.

The effects of epinephrine on unborn and nursing children are unknown. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician before using epinephrine. Women who have been prescribed epinephrine should also inform their physician immediately if they discover they have become pregnant.