Carrying an Auto-Injector

3 Bags, 2 Auto-Injectors, 1 slip up!

I am a huge shopaholic and love getting new bags and purses! I always carry two EpiPens^® with me at all times and always have to remember to transfer them from one bag to another when I go out. As I prepared to go to the mall, I assumed that my EpiPens^® were in the same bag I brought to school that day. However, I forgot that I transferred them right after school to my sports bag for my basketball practice the next morning. After I ordered a cookie at the mall, I double checked my bag to find my EpiPens^® weren't there! Although I’ve had those cookies before, I didn’t want to take the chance and gave it to a friend.

What can others learn from this?

Take the time before you go anywhere to make sure you have your auto-injector with you. Sometimes we are in a rush to go places, but taking the time to remember your auto-injector is always an acceptable excuse to be a bit late.

Counting on my Girlfriend

Whenever my girlfriend and I went out, she would carry my auto-injector because she would have her purse on her at all times. I rarely have a bag and don’t like carrying it in my pocket, so I thought this would be very convenient for me. As time went on, I became so used to her carrying it that I never worried about where it was when I was with her. We went to a museum where we had to check our bags and coats and we both completely forgot about my auto-injector. It wasn’t until we were hungry and went to the café that I realized I wasn’t prepared!

What can others learn from this?

Although I really appreciate my girlfriend’s willingness to help and assist with carrying my auto-injector for me, it is my condition and my responsibility to stay safe no matter whom I’m with. Since then, my girlfriend and I have broken up and I am in the routine of making sure that I have it at all times.

Have you had an issue with regard to carrying an epinephrine auto-injector? How did you manage it? Share your experience!