epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q): Anaphylaxis Drug Side Effects

What is epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q)? What is Auvi-Q used for?

Auvi-Q is an auto-injectable epinephrine-containing
device used for self-administration during life-threatening allergic reactions,
including anaphylaxis. Auvi-Q is an epinephrine auto-injector that talks the
user step by step through the injection process. Epinephrine, the medicine
contained in Auvi-Q, is an excitatory chemical naturally made by our bodies.
Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors found throughout the
body. When injected during an allergic reaction, epinephrine works in multiple
ways to treat the many signs of anaphylaxis. It causes blood vessels to
constrict or tighten which helps to increase blood pressure and decrease
swelling. Epinephrine also stimulates the heart muscle, causing the heart to
beat faster and pump more blood to the vital organs. Epinephrine helps patient’s
breathe better by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and allowing the airways to
open up. Additionally, it also helps to prevent further release of inflammatory
chemicals that were triggered by the initial allergic reaction.

Auvi-Q was approved by the FDA in 2012.

What brand names are available for epinephrine injection?

Auvi-Q

Is epinephrine injection Auvi-Q available as a generic drug?

Although auto-injectable epinephrine is available in
generic forms, a generic version of Auvi-Q device is currently not available.

Do I need a prescription for epinephrine injection Auvi-Q?

Yes

What are the side effects of epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q)?

The most common side effects of Auvi-Q include:

fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat;
sweating;
shakiness;
headache;
paleness;
overexcitement;
nervousness;
anxiety;
weakness;
dizziness;
nausea;
vomiting; and
breathing problems.

Auvi-Q is intended for administration in the muscle or fat tissues in the
outer thigh only. Injecting Auvi-Q in other areas of the body including the
buttocks, hands, or feet may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis and
may even cause side effects.

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What is the dosage for epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q)?

Auvi-Q is available in two strengths, 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg. The
selection of the appropriate strength is based on the patient’s body weight.
Patients weighing = 30 kg (approximately = 66 pounds) should use Auvi-Q 0.3 mg.
Patients weighing 15 to 30 kg (approximately 33 to 66 pounds) should use Auvi-Q
0.15 mg. It is not known if Auvi-Q is safe and effective for use in children
weighing less than 15 kg (33 pounds).

Each device contains only 1 dose of medicine and can only be used once.
Auvi-Q should be injected into the muscle of the outer thigh. If needed, Auvi-Q
may be injected through clothing.

Which drugs or supplements interact with epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q)?

Administration of epinephrine to patients taking cardiac glycosides,
diuretics (water pills), or drugs for treating irregular heartbeats
(antiarrhythmics) can cause the development of irregular heartbeats.

The effects of epinephrine may be enhanced by medicines such as tricyclic
antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine (Synthroid,
Levoxyl), and certain antihistamines.

The treatment benefits of epinephrine can be reduced by beta-adrenergic
blocking medicines such as propranolol (Inderal) and alpha-adrenergic blocking
medicines such as phentolamine (Regitine, OraVerse).

Some anti-migraine medications may also interfere with the benefits of
epinephrine treatment.

Patients should speak with their pharmacist for a complete list of all drug
interactions, and check if any of their current medications have any meaningful
interactions with Auvi-Q.

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Is epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q) safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Use of epinephrine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant
women. Use of epinephrine in animal studies was associated with birth defects.
Epinephrine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit
justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Epinephrine is classified as FDA
pregnancy risk category C (animal studies show an adverse effect on the fetus).

It is not known if epinephrine is excreted in breast milk.
Since many drugs are excreted in human milk and have the potential of causing
harm to the nursing infant, caution should be used when Auvi-Q is administered
to a nursing mother.

What else should I know about epinephrine injection?

What preparations of epinephrine injection are available?

Injection: 0.3 mg (0.3 mg/0.3ml) and 0.15 (0.15 mg/0.15 ml)
prefilled auto injector.

How should I keep epinephrine injection stored?

Auvi-Q should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C
(59 F to 86 F). Auvi-Q should not be refrigerated. The medicine contained in
Auvi-Q is light sensitive and should be protected from the light. Auvi-Q should
always be stored in the outer case provided by the manufacturer.