If your child has a peanut allergy, I understand how scared you are as a parent. There is always a fear in the back of your mind about what will happen if your child accidentally ingests even a small amount of peanuts at a party, at school, or when you go out to eat. So today we are going to talk about a newly introduced treatment for this. Although this cannot completely cure peanut allergy, it can help to familiarize the child's body with peanuts and reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction if a small amount is inadvertently ingested.
What is this peanut allergy powder? (Peanut Allergen oral powder)
Simply put, this is a special powder made from peanuts. The purpose of this is to gradually accustom your child's body, who is allergic to peanuts, to very small amounts of peanuts. It's like a vaccine, gradually accustoming the body to the germ and protecting it from a serious illness.
Important: This medicine is not used to treat an allergic reaction after it has occurred. It is used as a long-term, daily treatment to reduce the risk of a severe reaction in the future.
This medication usually comes under the brand name `Palforzia.` This treatment is started under the very close supervision of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This treatment is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is very important to tell the doctor about your or your child's health history without hiding anything. Especially the following conditions should be mentioned.
| Health condition or habit | Why should you tell the doctor? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Respiratory diseases like asthma | If asthma is not well controlled, breathing difficulties can become severe during an allergic reaction. |
| A condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis | This is an allergic condition related to the digestive tract. This medicine may aggravate it. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat | Severe allergies put a lot of pressure on the heart. It's dangerous if you already have heart disease. |
| Previous severe allergic reaction (swelling of the tongue, face, difficulty breathing) | If you have had severe reactions in the past, you are at greater risk when starting this treatment. |
| An illness like a viral infection | The risk of allergies is higher when you are sick because the body's immune system works differently. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding | The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not yet been confirmed. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is important for the doctor to understand whether your body is prone to allergies. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way you use this is very important. You must follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Take with a meal: Take this medicine at the same time every day, with a meal. It is usually best to take it with dinner.
- Do not swallow the capsule: This medicine comes in a capsule or sachet. Never swallow the capsule. Also, do not inhale the powder.
- Mix with a soft food: Carefully open the capsule or packet and pour the entire amount of powder into a soft food such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. Mix well and eat immediately.
- Do not mix with liquids: Do not mix this powder with liquids like water or milk.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the medicine.
- Take daily: To maintain the results of the treatment, it is essential to take the medication daily for as long as the doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop taking the medication without medical advice: Do not stop taking the medication for any reason without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important not to skip doses during this treatment. If you miss a dose, be sure to ask your doctor what to do next.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
This is not just any medicine, so there are a few things to be careful about.
Risk period: The risk of an allergic reaction is highest within the first hour after taking the medicine, so pay special attention to your child during that time.
- Exercise and hot water: Avoid exercising or taking hot baths for 3 hours after taking the medicine. These things increase blood circulation in the body, which can cause the allergen to be absorbed into the body more quickly, causing a reaction.
- Risk factors: The risk of an allergic reaction may increase during an illness such as a viral fever, after a day of lack of sleep, during women's menstrual periods, and when taking painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Life-saving injection: Your doctor will likely give you an auto-injectable epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen) to use in case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). It is important to keep it with you at all times and learn how to use it properly.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. It's important to know what they are and when to tell your doctor.
| Serious symptoms that require you to go to your doctor or the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, severe cough. |
| Other serious symptoms | Dizziness, flushing, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Itchy or uncomfortable throat | Throat irritation |
| Stomach upset | Upset stomach |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2°C - 8°C). Simply put, store it in a place like the door of the fridge . Never store it in the freezer.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Although this treatment is very promising, the decision to start it should only be made by you and your doctor together, after discussing all the risks and benefits.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is used to sensitize the body to peanuts and reduce the risk of severe allergies in the future. It is not used to treat an existing allergy.
- Tell the doctor all of your child's health information, especially about conditions like asthma.
- Avoid exercising or taking hot baths for 3 hours after taking the medicine.
- Always carry an auto-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen) for severe allergies, and know exactly how to use it.
- Take your medicine as prescribed, at the prescribed time. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor immediately.
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