Epi Pen- how do you carry it in the heat?

[Amazellen2]

Hi, I've just developed an allergy to bee stings that could possibly cause me to go into anaphalactic shock. As a cyclist in Arizona, I'm not sure I know the best way to carry this medication. The Epi pen cannot exceed 86 degrees, and should not be refrigerated. I hate to put a handlebar bag on my bike, but this is probably the only option, but it still needs to stay somewhat cool in there. Any one else solved this problem? Thanks, Ellen

[SadieKate]

Are you using a hydration pack? I would think that tucking it in next to the bladder would keep it cool enough. Tuck a small thermometer (like those keychain dealy-bobs) and check the temp. Maybe wrap it with a piece of neoprene.

If you can spare the bottle cage (yeah, in Arizona ), maybe a cage rocket or whatever those bottle-shaped boxes are (I think TE has them) with a partially-chilled gel pack would work.

I don't have the problem but maybe these are some ideas.

[Amazellen2]

No, I'm a water bottle girl. I don't like the additional weight on my back when cycling (plus it's too hot here). I only use my camelback when out mountain biking, so that will definately help keep my meds cool.
Thanks for the advice. I'll look into the gel packs and neoprene ideas too.
Cheers, Ellen

[trigurl]

Never thought of it! I keep mine in my saddle bag, of course when I checked the expiration date on mine it expired last year We are uncertain if I am allregic or not and I didn't want to be tested so they gave me one just in case.

I suppose I should take my inhaler out of my bag too, since my bike lives in my van?

[gilly]

Gilly, does it stay dry? Could be put right into a purse without a plastic bag? I have to carry a syringe once a week and this would work great now that the hot weather is here.

It's been a while since we've used it, and I honestly can't remember
I'll go and 'charge' it now and put it on some paper towel, see how it goes. I"ll get back to you later with the result

edit: I'm getting old, the brain doesn't work like it used to
It has it's own outer pouch, so yes, it would go straight into your purse

Oh. and Amazellen2.. You're welcome I hope it works for you.

[oroight]

Ama - will it fit in your water bottle, wrapped in plasticwrap?.....that could be another place to consider carrying it - the water will help to keep it cool. You could also call your pharmacists and ask them what they think. I don't know about yours but my pharmacists knows more than my doc sometimes I think!

L agree with you CorsairMac ,the pharmacist is defintely the one to trust over the GP when it comes to medication,always!!!!

[SadieKate]

edit: I'm getting old, the brain doesn't work like it used to
It has it's own outer pouch, so yes, it would go straight into your purse

Thanks, you've helped out at least two of us and I didn't even ask the question. It's just been lurking in the back of my mind. Fortunately, our weird cool weather hasn't pushed the issue, but I know those triple-digit days are coming.

SK

[CorsairMac]

Thanks, you've helped out at least two of us and I didn't even ask the question. It's just been lurking in the back of my mind. Fortunately, our weird cool weather hasn't pushed the issue, but I know those triple-digit days are coming.

SK

OT - but you too eh SK? It's been in the 80s here but the lows have been in the mid-upper 50s. I've worn warmers this whole week so far every morning to work. I don't even have my swamp cooler prepped yet......it just hasn't been hot enough.

[SadieKate]

It started raining here Tuesday night and lasted until this morning. It just doesn't rain like that in California once the "rainy" season is over.

When we were in SLC, it did the same thing on Monday. Out of the 5 days we were there, Saturdaw was the only decently comfortable day for a ride. Then they got the wrong fairy tale. It should have been the 3 Little Pigs and the Big, Bad Wolf huffed and puffed and blew the riders down!

[massbikebabe]

Hey Corsair...

Here in unpredictable New England we went from the 40's to the 90's in
one 24 hour span. Hotter than he// and loving it!!

karen