Exercise-Induced and Unknown Cause

Although healthcare professionals don't fully understand what causes exercise-induced anaphylaxis or idiopathic anaphylaxis, you may be interested to learn about how to recognize symptoms of these conditions and how they are treated.

Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis

 

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a form of physical allergy. Although the mechanism by which exercise can cause anaphylaxis is unknown, some medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) or foods ingested before exercise have been associated with exercise-induced anaphylaxis.¹

If you have a personal or family history of being prone to allergies, then you may be at an increased risk for experiencing exercise-induced anaphylaxis.¹

The initial symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis include:¹

• Fatigue
• Diffuse warmth
• Skin itching
• Skin redness
• Hives

Later symptoms may progress to:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting)
• Swelling of the throat
• Loss of consciousness

Treating exercise-induced anaphylaxis follows the same guidelines as for treating other forms of anaphylaxis, including the use of self-injectable epinephrine such as the EpiPen^® or EpiPen^® Jr auto-injector.¹

Additionally, patients should cease exercising once symptoms begin and should avoid exercise 4 to 6 hours after eating¹ if they have experienced exercise-induced anaphylaxis previously. Patients with exercise-induced anaphylaxis do not react every time they exercise; it seems to be unpredictable. Excellent physical conditioning does not prevent this occurence.

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

 

Idiopathic anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs in the absence of any known allergen. In simpler terms, nobody really knows what causes idiopathic anaphylaxis.

The symptoms of idiopathic anaphylaxis are the same as for other forms of anaphylaxis, with the main symptoms being:¹

• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the throat
• A drop in blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Loss of consciousness

When idiopathic anaphylaxis occurs, every attempt should be made to carefully analyze the events and conditions surrounding the attack as a previously unknown allergen may prove to be responsible.¹

Treating idiopathic anaphylaxis follows the same guidelines as for treating other forms of anaphylaxis, including the use of self-injectable epinephrine such as the EpiPen^® auto-injector.¹

Side effects may include an increase in heart rate, a stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest. If you have high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid, these side effects may be more severe or longer lasting. If you have heart disease, you could experience chest pain (angina). If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may increase after use. If you have Parkinson’s disease, your symptoms may temporarily get worse.

 

Reference

 

1. Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998;101(6 pt 2):S465-S528.

Indications

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injectors (0.3 and 0.15 mg epinephrine) are for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for patients who are at increased risk for these reactions.

EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors are designed for you to use immediately in an emergency, to treat an allergic reaction fast and give you time to get to a hospital or medical center. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors are not a substitute for emergency medical treatment.

Important Safety Information

Each EpiPen Auto-Injector contains a single dose of a medicine called epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR BUTTOCK, as this may not be effective for a severe allergic reaction. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment.

Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Side effects may include an increase in heart rate, a stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest. If you have high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid, these side effects may be more severe or longer lasting. If you have heart disease, you could experience chest pain (angina). If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may increase after use. If you have Parkinson's disease, your symptoms may temporarily get worse.

Talk to your healthcare professional to find out if you should be prescribed an EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional information please contact us at 800-395-3376