Since there's been a lot of speculation recently about why there isn't an "Epi-pen" for Solu-cortef, I thought that some of you might be interested in knowing that the manufacturer of Solu-cortef----Pharmacia-Upjohn----ALREADY makes a device similar to the Epi-Pen. It is produced under their Genotropin division, and is used for injection of human Growth Hormone. Since the technology already exists at this company to produce this pen device, I would suspect that the reason why a Solu-cortef pen hasn't yet been manufactured is NOT because no one has ever thought of this idea, but because it is impractical for use with this particular drug---because of its short shelf life---AND because it is not given on a regular basis.

As most of you know, once mixed, Solu-cortef generally has to be used within 24 hours, unlike the epinephrine in an Epi-pen. A pen device for solu-cortef would, therefore, also have to take into account mixing the drug at the last minute, right before injection.

The pen developed by Genotropin does, in fact, combine last-minute mixing and delivery of the drug into one clever device. Having used this pen, however, I would say that, while it is very convenient for something like Growth Hormone, which is injected on a daily basis, I would NEVER remember how to load and use it correctly (screw the medicine vial counter clockwise; roll gently till the solution is disolved; attach the needle tip; dial the dose till the black arrows line up; etc., etc., etc.) if I didn't do it on a regular basis.

The LAST thing you want to be doing in an emergency (such as the times when you'd need the solu-cortef) is trying to read a set of instructions, trying to figure out how to use the d*** pen thing, to mix the drug and give the shot at the same time. Personally---because a Solu-cortef shot is something you only have to give once in a while---I think something like the "Inject-ease" (see posts below), which does not try to kill two birds with one stone (mixing and delivery of medication in ONE device), is much more appropriate for use with this medicine.

Most of you already know how to mix solu-cortef and draw it into a hypodermic needle. If the problem is (understandably) being intimidated by having to inject the needle into your child's body, the "Inject-ease" (or a similar device) will eliminate a lot of that concern. It is easy to use and easy to remember HOW to use, if you don't do it everyday. Most importantly perhaps, you don't have to wait for someone to invent this device. It already exists.