Epi-pens are prescription only and for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. The lip swelling symptom is sometimes included in analphylaxis. For me it was some mouth/throat swelling and describing difficulty swallowing that triggered the Doctor to write a prescription. For Hives, it's like 99% coverage if I eat a pine nut. Allergist told me hives aren't a big deal though.
I haven't had to use the Epi-pen yet, just got it a little less than year or so ago now after my last reaction... It doesn't sound fun to use, but it beats having your throat close up! I'm told it's also 100% safe to use, it's just epinephrine which our bodies produce naturally anyway. The whole sticking myself with a needle, even though the injector is far less intimidating than a syringe, it still gives me the heebeegeebees. Really though, I think it's designed pretty well and I'm confident I'll jab it into my leg when needed.
Peanut would be a crummy allergy to have, they're everywhere... I've known a few kids with peanut allergies growing up, it can be pretty severe. I carry Benedryl too, and prior to getting the Epi-pen, that's all I've used during a reaction. I hate Benedryl though, makes me sooo tired.
I have other minor allergies too, overly hyper histamine in general. When I go from cold to warm or vice-verse I'll sometimes get a little hivey, but it doesn't last long. The allergist told me a general over the count anti-histamine can help, and left it at that.
