Naga Munchetty admitted that a producer called her an “idiot” after she admitted she forgot to order another EpiPen to treat Birch syndrome.
During a discussion on allergies, the 49-year-old woman told listeners that her allergies were related to hay fever, which doctors say is becoming increasingly common.
Regarding EpiPens, Naga said it can be “pretty difficult” to get a new prescription if you haven't had an incident in a while and so have put off getting a current prescription.
According to the information on the official website, autoinjectors are used as emergency aid for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect bites, food, medications and other allergens, as well as for idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
During the conversation, the host spoke to a guest named Palina, who has a severe allergy to nuts. After an incident in Thailand where she had difficulty breathing after eating the wrong food, she emphasized the importance of carrying an EpiPen with you at all times, as it saved her life.
Speaking about how her allergies affect her daily life, she said: “I'm pretty good at checking packages and stuff, so I can deal with it pretty well.”
“But I always make sure I have EpiPens with me wherever I go. I take the same bag of EpiPens with me.
“You want to make sure you have all of that on hand at all times, and I think for people with allergies, especially severe allergies, the most important thing is to have EpiPens on hand because a lot of times that first burst of adrenaline can really save a life until emergency services arrive.
“In my case, if I hadn't had my EpiPen with me at the Thai restaurant, it would have been much more serious.”
In response, Naga reiterated the importance of carrying EpiPens, but admitted that she had not followed the advice herself.
“I can't say I always do it myself,” she said.
“I know, and it's really bad. There are things like having to refill medications because they're expired, and it feels like you're taking something you're not using, even though you need it.”
Agreeing with Naga, Palina said that despite the severity of her allergy, it took her four months to try to get an updated version of the EpiPen.
The presenter replied: “I had the same thing.
“I have to make another call because I spoke to my producer and he said, ‘You're an idiot, go and order your EpiPen,’ and he's kind of right.
“But it takes time, doesn't it? And getting a refill on an EpiPen can be quite difficult if you haven't had any recent incidents.”