Allergies to Insect Venom

Most people stung or bitten by an insect may experience swelling, pain and redness that may persist for up to a week, and usually gets better without treatment. However, for those who are allergic to insect stings or bites, the situation may become life-threatening.

Potentially life-threatening (severe) allergic reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as bees, wasps, and ants can occur in up to 0.8% of children and 3% of adults. If you’re one of those affected, consider taking these precautions:

• When you go outside, avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or using sweet-smelling lotions, perfumes and shampoos
• Always wear shoes
• If you’re eating, keep your food and trash tightly sealed
• If your activity might expose you to insects or their nests (gardening or hiking, for instance), wear pants and long-sleeved shirts

Not all stings can be avoided, so those with insect allergies should carry self-injectable epinephrine such as EpiPen^® Auto-Injector, particularly when outdoors.

People with insect allergies can be treated with standardized insect venom injections (immunotherapy), which provide long-term protection against insect stings. However, not everyone treated this way remains tolerant to insect venom for life. You may still need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector such as EpiPen Auto-Injector.

In an insect venom-triggered allergic emergency, inject the health care professional-prescribed EpiPen or EpiPen Jr. immediately, then promptly call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.