A new national survey shows that the majority of Canadians at risk for a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction do not carry their life-saving medication with them. Worse yet, most Canadians would not know what to do in the event of someone having a potentially fatal allergic attack, known as anaphylaxis.

The new survey of 1,502 Canadians commissioned by King Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Anaphylaxis Canada, reveals that only one in five Canadians at risk for an anaphylactic attack remember to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times. An injection of epinephrine is the definitive treatment for someone experiencing an anaphylactic attack, which can be fatal in minutes if untreated. Additionally, while 97 percent of Canadians are aware that an allergic reaction can kill someone, only 45 percent would know how to treat someone having an allergic reaction by administering a life-saving dose of epinephrine using an emergency auto-injector such as the EpiPen(R) auto-injector (epinephrine injection). “The results of this survey emphasize the need to educate Canadians about. life-threatening allergies and how we can all work together as a community to protect the safety of people who are at risk,” says Laurie Harada, Executive Director, Anaphylaxis Canada. “Since it is often difficult for people to avoid exposure to different allergens, it is important to make sure that an allergic person’s family, friends, and teachers are educated about their allergies. These people should be ready to assist in the event of an emergency.” Approximately 600,000 Canadians (or 1 percent to 2 percent) are estimated to have allergic sensitivities, placing them at risk for anaphylaxis, although some experts believe that this incidence rate could be understated. The most common triggers for anaphylaxis include foods, insect stings, drugs, latex and exercise.

People experiencing anaphylaxis should use an epinephrine auto-injector at the earliest signs of reaction and then call 911 or be taken to an emergency room. According to the study, 35 percent of respondents say they or someone they know has suffered from an anaphylactic reaction. “If untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes, therefore it is vital that individuals with severe allergies carry an up-to-date epinephrine auto-injector at all times,” says Dr. Rhoda Kagan, Pediatric Allergist, North York General Hospital. “In a critical situation where someone is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, simplicity matters and EpiPen auto-injectors are designed for easy self administration. When administered at the first signs of anaphylaxis, EpiPen auto-injectors can provide individuals the time necessary to obtain more definitive emergency treatment.”

Additional survey highlights:

- 75 percent of Canadians think peanuts can cause a more serious
allergic reaction than milk, when in fact they both can cause a
serious reaction.

- 60 percent of Canadians support a peanut ban in schools and child
care centres, but only 27 percent support a peanut ban in all public
places. Peanut allergy is the most common cause of death from food
allergy, in addition to shellfish, fish and tree nuts.

- Half of Canadians think the food industry is doing a good job of
declaring dangerous allergens on package label.

- Half of Canadians agree that child care centres should be held
responsible if they don’t carry an epinephrine auto-injector and a
child on their premises has a severe allergic reaction.

- One in four survey respondents think public places should be held
responsible if they don’t carry EpiPen and someone on their premises
has a severe allergic reaction.

- 7 out of 10 Canadians agree that restaurants and cafeterias should be
required to list all ingredients on their menu products, even if it
costs diners more.

The Leger study was commissioned by King Pharmaceuticals, maker of EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector), and in collaboration with Anaphylaxis Canada. Data collection for this study was conducted via Leger Marketing OmniCan. Data was collected between May 29 and June 3, 2007. A random household selection was achieved by inviting residents across Canada over 18 years of age to complete the survey. A total of 1,502 interviews were completed. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

From the American Peanut Council Newsletter