Auvi-Q Epinephrine Injector is Coming

Auvi-Q Epinephrine Injector

I first posted about a credit card sized epinephrine auto injector over two years ago. In a December 2009 post, I wrote about two brothers and their company Intelliject. I was most excited about the potential for this new product for teens and young adults. This age group often doesn't carry their epi injectors because it's "inconvenient". An injector smaller than a cell phone- now that sounded convenient.

Fast forward to last week when I had the opportunity to see this new product. I was invited to Sanofi's U.S. headquarters in N.J. to see Auvi-Q^® up close and to provide feedback to the team that has been working on bringing this product to the market. It was a fun day for me as I had an opportunity to hear from Dr. John Oppenheimer on the current state of anaphylaxis (more on that later this week). I also got a history lesson on the new product and shared lunch with some fellow food allergy advocates.

Auvi-Q is short for Audio Visual Cues. As the name suggests, the device carries both visual and audio instructions for use. As soon as it is pulled from the case, a friendly and calm voice begins walking the user through the steps. Here's what I really like about this product:

• the size- it's even littler than I expected and is smaller than my smartphone. My tween really liked the shape and size.
• the audio helper- everyone is nervous about having to use an auto-injector device. A voice guide really decreases anxiety.
• no need to swing device into outer thigh- with Auvi-Q, the user places the device on the outer thigh and pushes firmly.
• hidden needle- the needle in this injector goes into the leg and within one second retracts back into the device. There was always something about having to withdraw the needle that was unsettling. No accidental needle pricks to worry about here either!
• has been waterproof tested- the product can sustain some water and still operate effectively. It does contain a battery for the voice recording, but even if the battery no longer works, the injector itself will still operate and release the medicine.

Here's a little amateur video we made to show how easy it is to use:

Auvi-Q is FDA approved and scheduled to go on the market in the U.S. by the end of March 2013. At this time, the cost of the device is unknown, however, two active devices and one trainer will be the norm for prescriptions. Many epinephrine injector rules will remain the same, such as approximately one year expiration dates, a viewing window to ensure the medicine is a clear color, two different dosages depending on body weight and the need to be aware of temperature extremes.

Check out what some other food allergy bloggers are saying about Auvi-Q:
Grateful Foodie- Inspiring- We Met the Auvi-Q
AsthmaAllergiesChildren- Thoughts About the New Auto-Injector
Multiple Food Allergy Help- Auvi-Q Epinephrine
Amazing and Atopic- The Audio Visual Lifesaver 
Learning to Eat Allergen Free- AuviQ is Coming Soon

You can sign up to find out when Auvi-Q will be available, or keep an eye on Food Allergy Assistant for further updates. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. I am thrilled to have more options in the toolbox for managing food allergies and anaphylaxis.

Full disclosure: My travel expenses and lunch were covered by Sanofi, although I am under no obligation to review this product...but I just wanted to!

Updated Info on Auvi-Q Epinephrine Injectors

I have been informed that Auvi-Q will not be distributing their epinephrine injectors until the first quarter of 2013.

From the company's PR rep:

"Sanofi has been working hard the past two months to build ample supply of the device to meet the anticipated demand for the product and to help ensure nationwide distribution...manufacturing is occurring following FDA approval to help ensure that when a patient or caregiver does fill a prescription for Auvi-Q, he or she receives a product with an adequate expiration date."

For additional information on this new product, check out the Auvi-Q site. From there you can watch a demo and sign up to be informed when the product becomes available.

There will soon be an alternative to the familiar EpiPen...and this new one talks you through the injection process. Stay tuned.

Free EpiPens for Schools

EpiPens for Schools

This spring I wrote that our school buildings now have stock epinephrine available for anyone who experiences an anaphylactic reaction.

Great news!

I received news today that schools can apply for free EpiPens through the EpiPen4Schools program.

Even better!

I just sent the information to our school nurse (the forms need to be completed and sent by the school nurse) and would encourage you to do the same. The nurse also must sign off agreeing that the school will "make best efforts to provide appropriate product training to any School personnel who may
administer an EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector".  Interested school representatives can also call 1-973-845-7600 to speak with a representative about the program.

I do applaud Mylan and BioRidge Pharma for making this program available to schools.

Is your child's school training staff and making epinephrine available for anyone who may need it?

Food Allergy and Why Two Doses of Epinephrine May Be Necessary

A recent study reported in the Journal of Pediatrics determined the need for people with food allergies to carry multiple doses of epinephrine.The study followed 605 children (median age 5.8) to find out how many of them needed a second dose of life-saving medication after suffering a food related allergic reaction. Twelve percent of patients needed the second dose, causing the researchers to support the recommendation of carrying two doses of self-injectable epinephrine.

Now, 12% doesn't seem like a high number to me, but how are you to know if you or your child require that second dose? At this point my child carries one epi to school. A second one is in the nurse's office. When traveling, we carry multiple epis and there are several in our house.

For those interested in two dose medications, Twinject® offers a back-up dose. Their site suggests that 20% of reactions require a second dose. Since both doses are in one pen, the Twinject can be used in a single with carrying pouch. Our allergist has always prescribed the Epi Pen®, but I plan to discuss other options.

It's on the list...

What brand of epi do you use? How many pens do you have?

Allergy Medication: The EpiKey

Epipens® and Twinjects® are a wonderful medical device that save lives of those experiencing an anaphylactic reaction due to food, insect sting or latex allergy. I also find them to be bulky and I worry about my child carrying the medicine as a teen and young adult. It turns out someone else was worried about that too. TCB Medical Devices has developed the EpiKey, a small epinephrine device that fits on a key chain.

The EpiKey was created by Thomas C. Beller, MD., an allergist in South Carolina. Dr. Beller hopes this device will save lives with its small size and ease of use. It's on a fast-track for FDA approval.


I'll keep you posted.

Food Allergy and EpiPens

So, a new study shows that an increased number of us are accidentally poking ourselves with epinephrine auto-injectors. Well, at least teenagers are. The study, with data from 1994-2007, didn't give information about the circumstances of these accidents.

I suspect that as more people carry and use auto-injectors, we'll see more accidents.

The recommendation is improved design of the auto-injector and better training. EpiPen® has a new design. Have you seen it yet? It does seem to be easier to hold. When this new one expires, I'll try it out in an orange- taking great care not to inject myself!