system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: If allergies, and especially anaphylaxis, are so common, why do we still need prescriptions for epi pens and such?
gpt
>If allergies, and especially anaphylaxis, are so common, why do we still need prescriptions for epi pens and such?  
  
Prescriptions are used to limit dangerous chemicals/medications to the use of folk who 1. need them and 2. have been instructed on how to use them by a physician.  
  
Whether or not they are commonly used or required doesn't factor into it.