One thing I was told is that the Epipen will not help in the long run with an allergic reaction. It gives you a shot of epinephrine which is like a shot of adrenaline (basically same thing) that will increase heart rate, muscle strength and blood pressure. This will help counteract an allergic reaction, but really only gives you time to get the antihistamine needed for the reaction.

I know some people that carry them because a bee sting will block their airway in well under a minute. After that, they need to get antihistamines into them or else they will start to swell up again in about 30 minutes after taking the Epipen.

I have an allergy to bee & wasp stings, but it's not major enough to carry an Epipen. I do carry Benadryl on me, so if I get stung, I immediately take 2 pills which works for me.

Best advice is to go with what a doctor says. I know I just wouldn't trust an Epipen alone; I would need the antihistamines with it.