A food allergy is an immune response to a food that the body mistakenly thinks is harmful and then rimes the body to react against it. Each time the person comes in contact with the allergen; his or her immune system launches an attack by releasing histamine and other powerful chemicals. The reaction can escalate into a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For some people, tasting or even touching a certain food can trigger this reaction.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling of the throat, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and/or gastrointestinal distress. Untreated, what seems like a mild reaction can uickly worsen in minutes. The best treatment for controlling a severe reaction is epinephrine, which an be prescribed as a self-injectable device, such as EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector, and hould be carried at all times. Epinephrine can give someone the time they need to get to the ospital or more treatment and observation.

While more than 160 foods have been identified as causing allergic reactions, nearly 90% of all food allergic reactions are caused by 8 common foods ncluding milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews), fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. urrently, there is no cure, so the best defense is avoiding the food that causes the allergy.

In January 2006, a new food labeling law was put into effect requiring all food manufacturers to disclose in plain language whether products contain any of the top 8 food allergens. This new regulation is designed to help food allergy sufferers avoid the allergens but it does not replace always being prepared by carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Accidental exposure can happen, especially outside of the home.

It is estimated that about 150 to 200 deaths occur yearly in the U.S. as a result of food allergies and studies show a delay in getting help or administering epinephrine is believed to be a factor in fatal reactions. Food allergies also account for a large number of anaphylaxis treatments for young people in emergency departments in hospitals. In fact, a recent study among teens revealed only 61% said they "always" carry a form of selfinjectable epinephrine, while 54% percent say that they have purposefully eaten a food that is potentially unsafe for them to eat. The study authors suggest that educating both teens and their peers about food allergies might reduce the risk-taking and its consequences.

Any type of food allergy can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you suspect that you or a family member has a food allergy, take the positive steps to be properly diagnosed, get a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector and learn about how to manage food allergies to live a healthy life.

INDICATION: Note to Editors: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr (0.3 and 0.15mg epinephrine) Auto-Injectors are indicated for emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) for people with a history of an anaphylactic reaction. EpiPen® Auto-Injectors should be used with extreme caution in people who have heart disease. Side effects of EpiPen® Auto-Injectors may include fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, and breathing difficulty. Certain side effects may be increased if EpiPen® Auto-Injectors are used while taking tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs. The EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injectors are designed as emergency supportive therapy only and are not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical or hospital care. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. The full Prescribing Information is available at www.epipen.com. EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr are registered trademarks of Dey, L.P.