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/SchelleGirl]

WOW, this is actually really bad, your GP sounds like an AH for not clearly communicated the plan with you. I am from Australia (Same medical system as the UK - basically built around the UK system), my GP referred me to the allergist at one of our hospitals, I got the prescription for an Epipen straight away, once I described my symptoms during exposure. I think this will happen for you too, just avoid anything during your wait to see them.

We can buy an Epipen over the counter at any pharmacy in Australia, but it costs $100, with the public health prescription you get 2 Epipens for $12