If allergies, and especially anaphylaxis, are so common, why do we still need prescriptions for epi pens and such?

Question

If allergies, and especially anaphylaxis, are so common, why do we still need prescriptions for epi pens and such?

In: 29

Answer 1

Very few allergies are severe enough to cause anaphylaxis which is caused by an antibody called immunoglobulin E overreacting to what it thinks are infections and causing excess histamine to be released which in turn can cause severe reactions possibly leading to anaphylaxis. Giving an EpiPen injection to someone not in anaphylaxis could kill them so they aren’t just handed out like sweets.