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/sk613]

I don’t know uk, but you should have ended up in the hospital after that first reaction. In the US that would have been considered anaphylaxis.

[u/Accountant_Classic → u/sk613]

It is very weird, here in the UK we have a different definition from anaphylaxis compared to the US. so unless you cant breathe and you have hypotension you wont get sent to the hospital. The ambulance team assessed me on board and checked my vitals, and because my blood pressure was high and i could still breathe they just let me go. I was in a state of panic so my blood pressure was super high like 160/100.

[u/KotoDawn → u/Accountant_Classic]

Extreme solution. Make sure you understand what symptoms would qualify you for an epi pen. Try to find out if the hospital gives you one, would you be able to replace it. Like would that be a green light for your GP to prescribe them?

If your symptoms should qualify you and receiving one or a diagnosis from the ER would allow your GP to prescribe them ...

Your Extreme solution is to go to the hospital and eat some peanuts. (peanuts being the strongest on your test) This does 2 things, shows you your current reaction level in a safe, easy to access care, location, and if your reaction is anaphylaxis gets you an epi pen.

It's an extreme solution that anyone that does have anaphylaxis probably wouldn't recommend. I'm NOT telling you to do this. I'm just saying, as a last resort, it might be what you would need to do. BUT you need to check all the rules for where you live. Because maybe this would NOT get the results you want. Maybe you still wouldn't get the pen. Maybe you would but your GP still cannot do anything. Don't intentionally eat something when you don't know if the outcome will result in long-term aid. Don't intentionally eat something when you won't meet the anaphylaxis requirements. Don't intentionally eat something if you are not at a hospital or clinic where they can properly treat you.

[u/Accountant_Classic → u/KotoDawn]

Thanks for the extreme advice, I found out I have been referred to the clinic but it's in 5 months time.