Epipen storage

Gobsmacked by the World

Are we there yet?

Time of past OR future Camino

CF SJPP - SDC 2022

• Aug 6, 2024

• #1

For those of us with allergies…what do people do for storing their Epipens while on the Camino?

Before, I had just put it in my First Aid kit that was in my backpack. I realize now that they are more heat sensitive than I had previously thought. Not nearly as sensitive as insulin, but less robust than Skittles.

I am veering between 1) a Frio bag. These cool by evaporation (like those gets cooling neck bands) and the perfect solution, but when filled with water, weigh about 400g, which slowly lightens as it evaporates or, 2) wrapping the epipens in an insulating material, I was going to use reflective bubble wrap, like that used on some ducts, or those car windshield sun blockers. The latter option is much, much lighter but eventually insulation is a losing battle.

FRÍO insulin cooler | Keeps insulin, and other medications, cool and safe

FRÍO insulin cooler are the world's first insulin cooling pouches which keep insulin and 29 temperature sensitive medicines cool and safe

www.frioinsulincoolingcase.com

Fellow allergists (word?) thoughts?

Oh and thanks chinacat for reminding me to take two…I haven’t needed one for a long time and maybe take them for granted, I will take two.

 

J Willhaus

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016, 2022, 2023, 2024, planned 2025

• Aug 6, 2024

• #2

Maybe just put them in the middle of your pack in the insulation pouch, or don't plan you Camino while it is too hot.

 

Dov of the Galilee

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

(2017)

• Aug 7, 2024

• #3

I just got an Rx for one of these pens today, I've never traveled with one but with insulin I use a FRIO bag

 

temiatwork

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF+F+M ; CP(Porto)

• Aug 7, 2024

• #4

Best not to let it evaporate to keep the coolness of the gel.

I put the frio bag inside a ziplock and wrapped it with all my clothes. When I get to my destination, I let it air or put it inside the fridge if available.

I carried four pens in my Camino Frances and 2 pens during Camino Portuguese.

 

Purple Backpack

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF’12 VF’16 VP w/variants 2022/23 Norte’23, CF ‘23

• Aug 7, 2024

• #5

My epi pens live in a small dry bag with other first aid items, in the middle/top of my pack. I’ve never noticed anything inside my pack to get hot, even on really hot days, so I don’t worry about it. Haven’t had the need to use them since several years ago, falling into a deep trench of nettles and anaphylaxing on the spot. They worked then and it was hot that day!

 

Last edited: Aug 9, 2024

witsendwv

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

(2015)

• Aug 7, 2024

• #6

From the epi-pen website: EPIPEN and EPIPEN JR Auto-Injectors and Epinephrine Injection, USP, should be stored in the carrier tube provided at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F); however, temperature excursions between 15-30 ºC (59-86 ºF) are permitted.1,2 EPIPEN, EPIPEN JR, and Epinephrine Injection, USP Auto-Injectors should not be stored in refrigerators or in a vehicle's glove box.1,2 EPIPEN Auto-Injectors and their authorized generic auto-injectors should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold and should be protected from light.1,2

 

Johnnyjenga

New Member

Time of past OR future Camino

April 2024 Portugues

• Aug 8, 2024

• #7

However you decide to cool it, be careful where you put it. Accessibility is of prime importance, you need to get to it quickly when you need it. You also might want to share its location and operation with your traveling companions. Buen Camino!

 

Daddyfrog

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Norte (2018)

• Aug 8, 2024

• #8

Gobsmacked by the World said:

For those of us with allergies…what do people do for storing their Epipens while on the Camino?

Before, I had just put it in my First Aid kit that was in my backpack. I realize now that they are more heat sensitive than I had previously thought. Not nearly as sensitive as insulin, but less robust than Skittles.

I am veering between 1) a Frio bag. These cool by evaporation (like those gets cooling neck bands) and the perfect solution, but when filled with water, weigh about 400g, which slowly lightens as it evaporates or, 2) wrapping the epipens in an insulating material, I was going to use reflective bubble wrap, like that used on some ducts, or those car windshield sun blockers. The latter option is much, much lighter but eventually insulation is a losing battle.

FRÍO insulin cooler | Keeps insulin, and other medications, cool and safe

FRÍO insulin cooler are the world's first insulin cooling pouches which keep insulin and 29 temperature sensitive medicines cool and safe

www.frioinsulincoolingcase.com

Fellow allergists (word?) thoughts?

Oh and thanks chinacat for reminding me to take two…I haven’t needed one for a long time and maybe take them for granted, I will take two.

Click to expand...

I've just been walking the Norte with all my insulin (for 5 months away) stored in Frio bags. At night, I'd ask the hospitalero/hotel to put them in the refrigerator for me, which gave a cooling head start for the next day. We've continued travelling through Europe, with temperatures up to 36°C. So far, no problems at all! Hope this helps.

 

temiatwork

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF+F+M ; CP(Porto)

• Aug 8, 2024

• #9

As long as the gels are pumped up and the frio bag is not exposed to sun then your pens will be fine.

 

chinacat

Veteran Member

Donating Member

• Aug 14, 2024

• #10

This is available in the UK.

It doesn’t seem to cool, but to keep cool. This should be fine for epipens, which only need to be kept at room temperature.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08Z3PCGLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1