Dear Alexander

School starts in two weeks, and I am excited and a little nervous. I will now be carrying my epinephrine auto-injector, even though only an adult can use it. I'm worried that my classmates will want to look at it and touch it. How do I stop them from doing that?

Congrats on self-carrying your emergency medicine! It's great to hear that you are becoming more responsible. I understand why you would be worried. If kids who don't understand what an epinephrine auto-injector is get a hold of it, someone might get hurt. As you know, the epinephrine auto-injector has a needle that injects life-saving medicine. If someone is playing around with the auto-injector, they could get hurt with the needle. The best advice I can give you is to never let your classmates handle your epinephrine auto-injector. Keep it safe - within your reach, of course, but tucked away. Politely tell anyone who asks that this medicine is only to be opened when you are having a serious allergic reaction. If they keep asking you over and over again, then it is time to tell a teacher or school staff member.

I hope this helps!

The information above is not designed to take the place of a doctor’s instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care.

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