auvi-q
Auvi-Q (Epinephrine) is a catecholamine used to treat Airway Obstruction, Anaphylaxis, Bradycardia, Bronchial Spasm.
Epinephrine · by Kaleo Inc
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Epinephrine
- Drug class
- Catecholamine
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Epinephrine EQ 0.15MG/DELIVERY · Epinephrine EQ 0.1MG/DELIVERY · Epinephrine EQ 0.3MG/DELIVERY
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- airway obstruction, anaphylaxis, bradycardia
- Manufacturer
- Kaleo Inc
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$3898.29 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA201739
What is Auvi-Q?
From the FDA label:AUVI-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg, 0.15 mg and 0.1 mg is an autoinjector and a combination product containing drug and device components. AUVI-Q includes audible (electronic voice instructions, beeps) and visible (LED lights) cues for use. The needle automatically retracts after the injection is complete. Each AUVI-Q 0.3 mg delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution. Each AUVI-Q 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.15 mL) in a sterile solution. Each AUVI-Q 0.1 mg delivers a single dose of 0.1 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.1 mL) in a sterile solution . AUVI-Q 0.3 mg, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg and AUVI-Q 0.1 mg each contain 0.76 mL epinephrine solution. 0.3 mL, 0.15 mL and 0.1 mL epinephrine solution is dispensed for AUVI-Q 0.3 mg, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg and AUVI-Q 0.1 mg, respectively, when activated. The remaining solution is not available for future use and should be discarded. Each 0.3 mL in AUVI-Q 0.3 mg contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 2.3 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2–5.0. Each 0.15 mL in AUVI-Q 0.15 mg contains 0.15 mg epinephrine, 1.2 mg sodium chloride, 0.2 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2–5.0.…
How to use
Selection of the appropriate dosage strength (AUVI-Q 0.3 mg, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg or AUVI-Q 0.1 mg) is determined according to patient body weight. Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): AUVI-Q 0.3 mg Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 to 66 pounds): AUVI-Q 0.15 mg Patients 7.5 to 15 kg (16.5 to 33 pounds): AUVI-Q 0.1 mg Inject AUVI-Q intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Instruct caregivers of young children and infants who are prescribed AUVI-Q and who may be uncooperative and kick or move during an injection to hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Each AUVI-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine for single-dose injection. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from AUVI-Q are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.1 mg are deemed necessary. The prescriber should carefully assess each patient to determine the most appropriate dose of epinephrine, recognizing the life-threatening nature of the reactions for which this drug is indicated. With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional AUVI-Q may be necessary. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see Warnings…
Side effects
Due to lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports, and studies are listed below. Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac disease or those receiving certain drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Rapid rises in blood pressure have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Angina may occur in patients with coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Rare cases of stress cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients treated with epinephrine. Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in…
Warnings
Important safety information
5.1 Emergency Treatment AUVI-Q is not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2) and Patient Counseling Information (17)]. 5.2 Injection-Related Complications AUVI-Q should ONLY be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Patient Counseling Information (17)]. Do not inject intravenously. Large doses or accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage due to sharp rise in blood pressure. Rapidly acting vasodilators can counteract the marked pressor effects of epinephrine if there is such inadvertent administration. Do not inject into buttock. Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room for further treatment of anaphylaxis. Additionally, injection into the buttock has been associated with Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Cleansing with alcohol does not kill bacterial spores, and therefore, does not lower this risk. Do not inject into digits, hands or feet. Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor, accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room and to inform the healthcare provider in the emergency room of the location of the accidental injection. Treatment of such inadvertent administration should consist of vasodilation, in addition to further appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Hold leg firmly during injection. To minimize the risk of injection-related injury when administering AUVI-Q to young children or infants, instruct caregivers to hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection. 5.3 Serious Infections at the Injection Site Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Clostridium spores can be present on the skin and introduced into the deep tissue with subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. While cleansing with alcohol may reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin, alcohol cleansing does not kill Clostridium spores. To decrease the potential risk of a rare, but serious Clostridium infection, do not inject AUVI-Q into the buttock [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site. 5.4 Allergic Reactions Associated with Sulfite Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic reactions or other emergency situations even though this product contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may, in other products, cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms or life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons. The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive. The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory. 5.5 Disease Interactions Some patients may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration. Despite these concerns, it should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation. Therefore, patients with these conditions, and/or any other person who might be in a position to administer AUVI-Q to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis should be carefully instructed in regard to the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used. Patients with Heart Disease Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In such patients, or in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias [see Drug Interactions (7) and Adverse Reactions (6)]. Other Patients and Diseases Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.
Who should not take Auvi-Q
NONE
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Treatment consists of rapidly acting vasodilators or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs and/or respiratory support. Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia, and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug such as propranolol. Overdosage sometimes results in extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis, and kidney failure. Suitable corrective measures must be taken in such situations.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
7.1 Drugs Increasing Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmias Patients who receive epinephrine while concomitantly taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics, or anti-arrhythmics should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. 7.2 Drugs Potentiating Effects of Epinephrine The effects of epinephrine may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines, notably chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, and diphenhydramine. 7.3 Drugs Antagonizing Effects of Epinephrine The cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of epinephrine are antagonized by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as propranolol. The vasoconstricting and hypertensive effects of epinephrine are antagonized by alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as phentolamine. Ergot alkaloids may also reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Drug class
How this class works, per Physiology, Catecholamines - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Auvi-Q ranks — best-rated catecholamine for:
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Auvi-Q treat?
- Auvi-Q (Epinephrine) may be used to treat airway obstruction, anaphylaxis, bradycardia, bronchial spasm, open-angle glaucoma, heart arrest, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Auvi-Q work?
- Auvi-Q is a catecholamine. Catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are "fight or flight" messengers that switch on adrenergic (alpha and beta) receptors throughout the body, speeding the heart, raising blood pressure by tightening blood vessels, and opening the airways.
- How much does Auvi-Q cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $3898.29 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Auvi-Q?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Auvi-Q. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Auvi-Q?
- Auvi-Q is marketed by Kaleo Inc. You can see Kaleo Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Auvi-Q a brand-name or generic drug?
- Auvi-Q is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Epinephrine.
- Is Auvi-Q available over the counter?
- No. Auvi-Q is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Auvi-Q come in?
- Auvi-Q is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Auvi-Q?
- Auvi-Q is classified as catecholamine, alpha-adrenergic agonist, beta-adrenergic agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Auvi-Q FDA-registered?
- Auvi-Q is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA201739. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Auvi-Q safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Auvi-Q. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Auvi-Q?
- Auvi-Q's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Due to lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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