When you have serious food allergies, epinephrine auto-injectors (often known by the brandname EpiPen) are a necessary lifeline. Members of MyFoodAllergyTeam hope they “never to have to use an EpiPen," but stock up for rescue in case of anaphylaxis. “My daughter has allergies to eggs, fish, shellfish, and beef that could take her life. Keeping her safe is hard work. She must carry EpiPens at all times,” said one parent. “When I'm invited to a party, I eat beforehand and always carry an EpiPen!!” wrote another. For these reasons, an ongoing shortage of some epinephrine auto-injectors brands has become a hot topic among members. “Having real problems getting my new EpiPen. Hope I don't have an allergic reaction before I can sort that out,” worried one man on MyFoodAllergyTeam. Other members said they switched to an available brand. “We got our son's Auvi-Q less than a week after the doctor refilled the order,” reported another. Talk with your doctor if you're having difficulty obtaining epinephrine auto-injectors.

On MyFoodAllergyTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with food allergies, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Epinephrine auto-injectors are one of the most discussed subjects.

Here are some conversations about epinephrine auto-injectors:

• A member shares how serious anaphylaxis is and how it is not something to be joked about.

• It has been surprisingly difficult to get my epinephrine auto-injectors refilled after I had to use one for the first time two weeks ago.

• A member shares a story where she was thinking about using her epinephrine auto-injector.

• Halfway through eating some sweets, a member realized they changed the recipe to include an allergen.

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyFoodAllergyTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.