We all worry when our children experience anaphylaxis after eating peanuts. If this has ever been your child, you probably find yourself asking constantly asking questions. Is this peanut free? Where is the epinephrine? Should I let them go to a birthday party, Grandma’s place, their friend’s house, or even church?
Peanut Anaphylactic Reaction Treatment Options
In the past, the only tools you could use to keep your child safe from peanut anaphylaxis have been avoidance and epinephrine.
Practicing avoidance is a very important step in keeping your child safe. However, as a parent you know that it’s not perfect. There are many opportunities for a child to be exposed to peanuts, even accidentally.
Epinephrine treatment is also vital in the case of a peanut exposure but is only helpful after your child has already been exposed.
A New Program to Prevent Pediatric Peanut Anaphylactic Reaction
A new option to prevent pediatric peanut anaphylactic reaction is now available!
Palforzia® is a low, once daily dose of peanut protein to make children far less likely to have bad anaphylaxis with accidental peanut ingestion. It is used with peanut avoidance and having epinephrine available. If your child has an average accidental peanut ingestion on Palforzia, they typically only have a mild reaction.
And greater news yet - Dakota Allergy & Asthma is a certified Palforzia Program Center.
Palforzia® at Dakota Allergy & Asthma
If your child suffers from peanut allergies, contact Dakota Allergy & Asthma to schedule an appointment to determine if Palforzia® might be an appropriate treatment option.
During the initial consultation we will perform testing to determine if the patient is a good candidate for Palforzia®. If yes, we will proceed with obtaining the product via your insurance and their specialty pharmacy.
The first day of treatment involves giving the patient several doses of Palforzia® while in our office. The next day we will begin giving the daily dose of the medication. Every two weeks the dose is increased for eleven steps until maintenance begins.
The first dose of each step is given at Dakota Allergy & Asthma and the patient is observed after. Long-term daily maintenance then occurs. We expect that this will be lifelong therapy. Anaphylaxis and other side effects can occur, so it is important to know what to watch for and how to deal with them.
While not a cure for peanut anaphylaxis, Palforzia® can make the patient and their family more comfortable dealing with long-term allergy problems.
Any parent who has ever watched their child suffer anaphylaxis due to a peanut allergy knows how frightening it can be. No matter the steps you take to help your child avoid peanuts, accidental exposure can happen. Palforzia® may be a preventative treatment option for your child. Contact Dakota Allergy & Asthma to schedule a consultation by calling 605-336-6385.
