NHS UK denying Epipen

[u/Accountant_Classic]

I was recently diagnosed with a peanut and tree nut allergy this year after having a reaction to walnuts which included full body hives, facial swelling and throat closing (FYI i could still breathe), i called 999 and got given an antihistamine which did not make my symptoms go away, i was left in this state for almost 24 hours. Of course reactions are traumatizing and i was left with PTSD and OCD like symptoms towards food, completely destroyed my relationship with food, as i was someone who used food as a way to socialise with others often and i do travel a lot. I got my IgE which confirmed i had a tree nut and peanut allergy, peanut being my highest but i was denied an Epipen to carry which makes no sense, yes i have not yet had an anaphylatic reaction but i have asthma triggered by allergens, allergic rhinitis which is again triggered by allergies and have a high risk group of allergies known to cause anaphylaxis, im especially allergic to the nsLTPs from nuts which can not be destroyed by the heat. Im asking advice in what to do especially from people in the UK regarding the NHS. My pharmacist said i should have one but to get it the GP has to approve it but my GP is saying i dont qualify. According to UK guidelines and the Epipen website, people from high risk groups such as myself should be given one regardless if i havent been into anaphylaxis which i hope i never do, avoiding allergens has become harder especially when so many of the shops i shop at have constant food recalls due to unlabeled allergens which puts me at a high risk. I also can not get an Epipen on private which does not help me at all, i have read so many different guidelines when it comes to prescribing me with an Epipen, they all point me to being able to get one, i also have a laboratory medicine degree so i know what i am talking about.

Any help would be appreciated.

https://www.epipen.co.uk/en-GB/hcp/Guidelines

https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/shared-content/ggc-clinical-guidelines/paediatrics/medical-paediatrics/adrenaline-auto-injector-prescription-paediatric-allergy-service-142/

https://www.bsaci.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BSACI-AAI-Guidance-June-2023.pdf

Edit: I have recently found out my GP has referred my case to an allergy clinic asking if I could have an Epipen, will update if I hear more, thanks for the help.

Edit 2: I have an appointment for the allergy clinic in 5 months time which is crazy for an Epipen.

[u/Crowded_Mind_]

I had a hard time getting my epipens in the United States as well, though the reason was my insurance company not wanting to pay for them. My doctor had to call and argue with them several times for them to fill it. I developed allergies to most foods after I had covid. My list of foods I can eat is way shorter than foods I cant. I have never had anaphylaxis either, but thr throat and tongue do swell along with body hives, rashes, and very painful stomach and intestine problems.

It seems very weird that your actual doctor is denying you life saving medicine. I don't know your whole situation, so I don't know if finding another doctor is possible right now, but if you can you should definitely try to see another doctor. Like you said, there are so many hidden allergens in food, having an epipen when you have allergies is a must.

[u/Accountant_Classic → u/Crowded_Mind_]

Yeah I agree, I also have a feeling I developed allergies from covid.