Stock up on Benadryl
Probably won't help once you are in anaphylactic shock, but it might keep you from getting there.
What might be a better alternative for an epi pen are vials of 1:1,000 epinephrine and the appropriate hypodermic syringes.
1:1,000 epinephrine (not to be confused with 1:10,000 epinephrine or 1:100,000 epinephrine) can be used to treat anaphylaxis, and it keeps longer than an epi pen. We carried it on the ambulance, and the heat in an ambulance parked in the Florida sun is over 100°F...and this med would still retain it's potency (although I must insist that you don't store it this way).
It's tricky (especially if you're suffering from an anaphylactic event) to draw up a measured quantity into a syringe and inject yourself.
Still, it'll work if you can do it in a timely manner, and it's still better than gulping Benadryl and hoping for the best.
1:1,000 epinephrine can sometimes be obtained from veterinary supply places. Also, it can be ordered from online pharmacies (from other countries) without a prescription for a reasonable price.
Note that it takes time, patience, practice, and professional instruction to learn how to properly inject a medication. Almost anyone knows a nurse, and most will show you how (on the downlow) if you're discrete...as there may be legal consequences toward their licenses.
Hypodermic syringes can be obtained from vet supply places, from pharmacies that have diabetic supplies, and--as a last resort--from places that have needle exchange programs for drug addicts.
If you can buy a raw pig head from an ethnic butcher shop, you can practice on the skin around the neck and face.
I hope this helps.
P.S. Valley Vet has 50ml vials of 1:1,000 epinephrine USP for $24.00+shipping, with no 'script because it's labeled for animals.
P.P.S. The usual human dose is 0.3 to 0.5 ml injected intramuscular. DO NOT INJECT 1:1,000 EPINEPHRINE INTRAVENOUS OR YOU WILL KILL SOMEONE!!!
