Naga Munchetty has admitted she was called an “idiot” by her producer after she confessed to forgetting to order another EpiPen for her Birch Oral Syndrome.
During a discussion about allergies, the 49-year-old told listeners that her allergy is connected to Hay fever, which is on the rise, according to doctors.
On the subject of EpiPens, Naga said it can be “quite difficult” to get another perscription if you haven’t had an incident in a while and therefore had parked getting an up to date one for now.
As per the official website, the auto-injectors are administered as emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs and other allergens, as well as idiopathic or exercise induced anaphylaxis.
Within the conversation, the presenter caught up with a guest named Palina, who has a severe nut allergy. Following an incident in Thailand, where she struggled to breathe after being given the wrong food, she stressed the importance of having an EpiPen at all times, as it saved her life.
Discussing how her allergy impacts her daily routine each day, she said: “I’ve got quite good with checking packets and all these sorts of things, so for me, I can manage it well.
“But, it’s always making sure I’ve got my EpiPens wherever I’m going. I take the same bag with my EpiPens in.
“It’s making sure that’s always on hand, and I think that’s the most important thing for people with allergies, more severe allergies, is to have your EpiPens, because in most places it can be really life-saving to have that initial adrenaline before an ambulance gets there.
“For me, in my case, if I hadn’t had my EpiPens with me at the Thai restaurant, it would’ve been a lot more serious.”
In response, Naga echoed the importance of carrying EpiPens, but admitted she hadn’t taken the advice on herself.
“I can’t say I always do it myself,” she said.
“I know, and it’s really bad, there are things like getting them re-prescribed because they go out of date and feeling like you’re taking something that you don’t use, even though you need it.”
Agreeing with Naga, Palina said despite the severity of her allergy, it had taken her four months to try and get an updated EpiPen.
The presenter replied: “I had the same thing.
“I’ve got to make another call because I was talking 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 re-prescription for it can be quite diffiult for an Epipen if you haven’t had an incident in recent times.”
