Natural rubber latex (NRL) is the name given to the processed sap from the Brazilian rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. NRL is harmless to most people, but for some, latex can cause anaphylaxis. Synthetic rubber, which is made from petroleum, coal, oil, natural gas, or acetylene, does not cause this severe reaction in sensitive individuals.
NRL is found in many everyday household products. Fortunately, most items contain too small an amount of NRL to cause a severe allergic reaction. However, those with a severe NRL allergy should always avoid balloons, condoms, or gloves made of latex.
Important tips to remember:
- Always tell healthcare workers—such as doctors, nurses, dentists, or physical therapists—about your latex allergy to prevent them from exposing you or your child to medical equipment containing latex.
- Be aware that food service workers may wear latex gloves when preparing food. Be sure to print out and use the Twinject Allergy Alert Card when eating meals away from home.
- Inform your employer, school, college, or child's playgroup about your or your child's allergy to ensure a safe work, study, or play environment.
- Don't be shy about reminding healthcare, food service, and childcare workers about your or your child's NRL allergy during each visit. It's better to be safe than sorry!
For more information about latex allergies, visit www.latexallergyresources.org.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TWINJECT: Twinject is indicated in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction (type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects and biting insects, allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances, and other allergens, as well as anaphylaxis to unknown substance or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
Since the dose of epinephrine delivered from Twinject 0.15 mg is fixed at 0.15 mg, the physician should consider other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are felt to be necessary (eg, patients who weigh less than 15 kilograms [approximately 33 pounds]).
Twinject should only be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. DO NOT INJECT INTO BUTTOCK. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY.
Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In patients with coronary insufficiency or ischemic heart disease, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias. It should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute life-threatening situation. Adverse reactions to epinephrine include transient, moderate anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory difficulties.
Twinject is designed as an emergency supportive therapy only and is not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical care.
