Has your little one accidentally eaten some peanuts and suddenly developed a rash and difficulty breathing? It's a scary and disturbing experience to think about. Peanut Allergy is something that many parents are very afraid of these days. But now there is a new treatment that can help reduce the severity of this serious allergy. Today we are talking about this special medicine called Peanut Allergen Powder.
What is this peanut powder (Peanut Allergen Powder)?
Simply put, this is not a cure for peanut allergy, nor is it a treatment for an allergic reaction once it has occurred.
So what happens with this?
Think of it this way. This treatment involves gradually introducing very small amounts of peanuts to our immune system, and getting it used to it. It's like introducing a new food to a small child. Once the body gets used to peanuts in this way, it can help reduce the severity of a severe allergic reaction if something like a small piece of peanut is accidentally ingested in the future.
Most importantly: You should not start eating peanuts while taking this medicine. It is essential to continue following a peanut-free diet. This medicine is just an extra precaution.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This treatment is not suitable for everyone, so it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your or your child's health. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Health conditions you should report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat | These conditions may increase the risk of an allergic reaction. |
| Lung or respiratory disease (e.g. asthma) | Allergic reactions can be severe if asthma is uncontrolled. |
| Having a history of Eosinophilic Esophagitis | This is an allergic condition that affects the digestive tract. This medication may cause it to recur or become worse. |
| Have previously had swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing or swallowing | This is a sign of a severe allergy. The doctor should be aware of this risk. |
| Any illness, such as a viral infection | The risk of allergic reactions is higher during illness. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Since the safety of this medication has not been established in such cases, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the instructions for using this medicine exactly. Even a small mistake can cause side effects .
1. Time: Take this at the same time every day, with a meal. It is usually best to take it in the evening or with dinner .
2. Do not take: Do not swallow the capsule. And do not inhale the powder inside through your nose.
3. Mixing method: Carefully open the capsule or packet, add the entire contents of the capsule to a thick, soft food such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding, and mix well.
4. Important: Never mix this powder with any liquid such as water, milk, or drinks.
5. How to take: Once the food is mixed together, eat the entire amount immediately . Do not leave it to eat later.
6. Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling the medicine.
7. Don't skip: It is essential for this treatment to be successful to take the medication consistently every day. Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
Do you give this medicine to children?
Yes. In some selected cases, this treatment is given to children as young as one year old. But it is done very carefully and under medical supervision. Therefore, only your doctor can decide whether this is appropriate for your child or not.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine is for your own use only, do not share it with others.
Things to be especially careful about when taking this medicine:
This is the most important part. There is a high risk of an allergic reaction when taking this medicine. There are some things that increase that risk.
- Exercise and hot water: Avoid exercising, running, playing, and taking hot baths for 3 hours after taking the medicine. These things increase blood circulation in the body and increase the risk of an allergic reaction.
- Body heat: If you have exercised a lot, are hot, sweaty , and have a fast heart rate , you should wait until your body has cooled down and your heart rate has returned to normal before taking the medicine.
- Increased risk situations:
- When you have an illness like a viral flu
- When you're very tired and sleep deprived
- During women's menstrual periods
- When to take painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen
Emergency Preparedness (Epinephrine Auto-Injector)
When you start this treatment, your doctor will definitely prescribe you an epinephrine auto-injector (an injection that can be used in case of a sudden, severe allergic reaction). You should keep this with you at all times. Your doctor will clearly tell you how to use it and when to use it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious symptoms that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions: - Skin irritation, itching - Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat - Difficulty breathing | Seek immediate medical attention. Use the epinephrine injection as directed by your doctor. |
| Digestive tract problems: - Heartburn - Pain or difficulty when swallowing - Persistent or increasing chest pain | These may be symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Inform your doctor immediately. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Swelling or numbness of the tongue, mouth, throat, or face | These are common and usually subside over time, but if they persist, tell your doctor. |
| Itching of the mouth, lips, tongue, or ears | This is also a common side effect. |
| Nausea, stomach pain, runny nose, sneezing | If these persist or cause discomfort to the child, talk to the doctor. |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Never freeze. Protect from excessive heat. Keep in the original package until needed. Discard expired medication.
- Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to hand them over to a drug take-back program. If that's not possible, mix the medication powder with something like coffee grounds, soil, or used cat litter, place it in a sealable bag or container, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is not a complete cure for peanut allergy. It only helps reduce the severity of a severe reaction that may occur if peanuts are accidentally ingested.
- You should definitely continue to maintain a diet that is completely free of peanuts .
- Always keep the epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by your doctor nearby.
- Avoid exercising and bathing in hot water for 3 hours after taking the medicine.
- Do not mix this medicine with liquids, but only with soft, solid foods such as yogurt.
- If you have any problems, concerns, or side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.
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