Auvi Q Re-Launch

The Auvi-Q is back on the market! It's roughly the size of a credit card and must be carried by people at risk of an anaphylactic allergic reactions. While high costs for epi-injectors like the Auvi-Q and the EpiPen have been in the news a lot lately, there are programs to help with affordability. Check out Affordable Auvi-Q Access for more information. Check out the FAQ's to learn more.

Six Food Allergy Happenings You May Have Missed Over the Holidays

New Year's Eve

So, the decorating and present buying and singing of Auld Lang Syne is done. While you've been enjoying the holiday season with family and friends, here are a few items related to food allergies that you may have missed:

Epi Injectors

• The date has been set for the 2nd Annual 2014 Food Allergy Bloggers Conference. Start saving your frequent flier miles for a trip to Las Vegas Sept. 26-28.
• Mylan is extending their $0 copay for EpiPens through 2014. Go to Epipen.com for details.
• Sanofi is also extending their $0 copay program for Auvi-Q  through 2014. Go to their website for details.
• The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Team has formed to educate, advocate, and raise awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis. 
• KFA is offering a free webinar on 504 Plans and Individualized Halthcare plans. Sign up for the January 14 event and learn how laws protect food allergic students.
• FARE has partnered with Research Match to help connect patients with food allergy studies.

 Did I miss anything? My mind may still be a bit fuzzy after too

Chocolate Chip Cookies

much "sparkling cider" and too many holiday cookies....

Auvi-Q Carriers

Auvi-Q Holders

I've been on the look-out for Auvi-Q carriers to make self-carrying easier. Auvi-Q offers a great shape for adults- fits in most handbags for women and in most pockets in menswear. However, active kids often need something on their person that will stay put. Here's what I've found so far:

• Allergy Apparel offers a variety of pouches. They come with a carabiner clip to attach to a belt loop or backpack. Two sizes are available for carrying one Auvi-Q or two. There is also an expandable Youth EpiBelt that accommodates Auvi-Q or EpiPen.   
• KoziEpi has pouches and belts to hold one or two Auvi-Q devices.  
• EpiCarriers offers a Leg Buddy Holster and a Waist Buddy that holds Auvi-Q or EpiPen.  

  

  Epi Carriers

Has anyone found an Auvi-Q carrier they prefer? Please share!

Food Allergy Reactions on Valentine's Day

Candy Heart Molds

A recent survey sponsored by Mylan Specialty indicated that as many as one in three parents report their children with life-threatening allergies have experienced anaphylaxis on Valentine’s Day. This scary statistic underlines the importance of talking to kids before this Thursday's holiday.

Pre-School and Elementary-Age Children- Parents should talk to teachers and staff early this week about special events planned to celebrate Valentine's Day. From classroom parties and crafts, to food sent in for school parties, peanuts, tree nuts, chocolate and baked goods may be prominently featured. Remind young children about your food allergy rules (no eating anything unless it's been approved, checking with a safe adult if unsure, etc.) and make sure they are aware that Valentine's Day may mean that things are different at school this Thursday. Consider role-playing as a way to help them feel comfortable dealing with specific situations.

Teens and Young Adults- While classroom parties may be less of an issue at the middle school and high school levels, there are important reminders for this group too. Sometimes friends exchange Valentine treats and it may be tempting for a young person to "try a bit". This age group is particularly susceptible to food allergy emergencies because they want to fit in...they don't want to feel different. Again, talk to them before Thursday about your food allergy rules (no eating anything unless the label has been checked, carrying their medicine at all times, etc.). 

Food allergy reactions have been linked to kissing, so if you haven't had THE CONVERSATION yet, talking to your teen about dating and kissing near Valentine's Day may be appropriate.

Heart-Shaped Cake Pan

A little planning (and talking) early this week will help you and your family enjoy a safe Valentine's Day this Thursday.

Is your child's school still celebrating Valentine's Day with traditional parties and treats?

EpiPen vs Auvi-Q...And I Mean That in the Nicest Way

EpiPen and Auvi-Q

We now have EpiPens and Auvi-Q's in our house. Of course this may not work for every household. It could be confusing for younger children to have two different epinephrine devices. It may be disorienting to some caregivers. But, for us, it works to have both. There are times when it's easier for me to fit Auvi-Q in my favorite small purse. 

Other times, the shape of the EpiPen works better. 

Size of Auvi-Q

But, what I most appreciate is having choice. EpiPen is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. While we've seen a few other devices designed to treat anaphylaxis over the years (think Twinject and Adrenaclick), we haven't seen any new innovation- until Auvi-Q came on the market last week. The shape is remarkably different than anything else we've seen and a voice talks the user through the procedure, much as a defibrillator (AED) does.

When I called my doctor's office earlier this week to ask for an Auvi-Q prescription, they said, "Would you spell that please?" A nurse called back a short time later to say that they had a training on Auvi-Q coming up in a few days and that they didn't yet have the prescription information entered in their computer. They manually called in my prescription to Target. 

I'm also sending in some trainers to the director of our school nurses so she can share it at next week's nursing staff meeting. It's important to tell schools, daycares, babysitters and others if you've got an Auvi-Q for your child as they may search for the traditional shape of an EpiPen.

Price of the new Auvi-Q has been a hot topic. Each prescription comes with two devices and a trainer. I paid $72.74 for my prescription that was covered by insurance. By comparison, I pay $48.43 for EpiPen. This time, I only paid $25 for Auvi-Q because I printed a coupon. The coupon can be used twice and offers a $25 co-pay for prescriptions covered by insurance, or $60 off for self-pay customers. Honestly, that is a greater price difference than I expected. Our new Auvi-Q devices don't expire until April 2014, but as our EpiPens expire, we'll need to decide if the extra cost is worth it to us.

We need companies like Mylan and Sanofi and we need independent inventors like the Edwards brothers to keep us informed and to bring innovation and choice. Until the day finally comes when we no longer need to fear food, bees, latex and anything else that may lead to anaphylaxis, there's room for pioneers and options.   

Auvi-Q Prescription

 Will you have both devices in your house?