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Overview: Auvi-Q is an epinephrine auto-injector used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It includes voice instructions and flashing lights to help guide you during use. It works quickly to help reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling. Common side effects include fast heartbeat, shakiness, sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. After using Auvi-Q, get emergency medical care right away, even if you start to feel better.

Uses

What is Auvi-Q used for?

Auvi-Q (epinephrine) is used for the treatment of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Auvi-Q is used only during emergencies. Anyone using Auvi-Q should seek medical care right away.

Auvi-Q may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of epinephrine are available for inhalation. See Epinephrine inhaled for more information. 

How does Auvi-Q work (mechanism of action)?

Allergic reactions can cause many different symptoms, including very low blood pressure, skin reactions (such as a rash or hives), and swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue that can make it hard to breathe. 

Auvi-Q acts on certain receptors in the body called alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. This causes the blood vessels to narrow (which can increase blood pressure), opens the airways, and reduces swelling. This can help to relieve symptoms of serious allergic reactions while seeking medical care.

Learn more about How Auvi-Q Works for Severe Allergic Reactions.

How is Auvi-Q supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Auvi-Q

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1 mg auto-injector
  • 0.15 mg auto-injector
  • 0.3 mg auto-injector

How should I store Auvi-Q?

Auvi-Q should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be stored at temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in the outer case in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Auvi-Q?

The most common side effects of Auvi-Q are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Anxiety
  • Breathing problems
  • Dizziness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Paleness
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting

There may be other side effects of Auvi-Q that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Auvi-Q?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Auvi-Q are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Injection Site Reactions. Auvi-Q should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh. Injecting Auvi-Q into any other parts of the body can cause serious side effects and even permanent damage. If Auvi-Q is accidentally injected into any other parts of the body, get medical help right away. 

Skin Infections. Auvi-Q may cause an infection at the place where it is injected. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a skin infection at the injection site.

  • Redness or discoloration
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Auvi-Q?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should talk to their health care provider before using Auvi-Q. If you are having a severe allergic reaction, you should still use Auvi-Q even if you have an allergy to it or any of the ingredients below.

  • Auvi-Q
  • Epinephrine
  • Sulfite
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Auvi-Q.

What should I know about Auvi-Q before using it?

Do not use Auvi-Q unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Auvi-Q with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Auvi-Q out of the reach of children.

Always get medical help right away after using Auvi-Q.

Auvi-Q comes in a pre-filled, rectangle-shaped cartridge. When the outer cover is removed from the cartridge, a voice recording walks through the steps for giving the injection. Auvi-Q can only be used one time. Once it has been used, or if the red safety guard is removed, it should be replaced. Ask your health care provider if you need help disposing of a used or expired Auvi-Q.

Always inspect Auvi-Q before using it. Since Auvi-Q is only used during emergencies, it is a good idea to check Auvi-Q every few months to make sure it is still usable. The solution inside of Auvi-Q can be seen through a small window and should be clear and colorless. If it is colored, cloudy, or contains small particles, do not use it. It should be replaced.

Auvi-Q should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh. Hold the thigh in one place while using Auvi-Q. Injecting Auvi-Q into other parts of the body can cause serious injury.

Since it is not possible to know when an allergic reaction might happen, Auvi-Q should always be available, including at home, work, school, and other activities. Make sure that family, friends, caretakers, teachers, co-workers, or anyone else who may be able to help during an emergency knows where Auvi-Q is stored and how to use it.

There is a trainer version of Auvi-Q that can help people learn how to use Auvi-Q before an emergency occurs. The trainer does not include a needle or any medicine. It is important to not confuse the trainer with the real medicine. The Auvi-Q trainer comes in a gray outer case and says TRAINER on the top and the front. The Auvi-Q product that contains medicine comes in a colored (orange, blue, or purple and white) outer case. Only the Auvi-Q product should be used during an emergency.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Auvi-Q?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Auvi-Q is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Depression
  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Thyroid problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Auvi-Q may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before or after using Auvi-Q, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Auvi-Q could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and having a severe allergic reaction, you should use Auvi-Q and get emergency help right away.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Auvi-Q passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you are breastfeeding and having a severe allergic reaction, you should use Auvi-Q and get emergency help right away.

How can I get more information about Auvi-Q?

For more information about Auvi-Q, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.AUVI-Q.com or call them at 877-302-8847.

Interactions

Does Auvi-Q interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Auvi-Q and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Auvi-Q.

Does Auvi-Q interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Auvi-Q may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before or after using Auvi-Q.

  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA), which is a medicine to reduce blood pressure and for certain heart conditions 
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease 
  • A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels 
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression 
  • An antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine used to treat allergy symptoms
  • An ergot, such as ergotamine (Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (Migranal or Trudhesa), which is a medicine used to treat migraine 
  • An antiarrhythmic, which is a medicine used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm 
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Auvi-Q. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Auvi-Q?

If you or someone else has used too much Auvi-Q, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Auvi-Q?

Auvi-Q is used during emergencies only. Always get medical help right away after using a dose of Auvi-Q.