Auvi-Q, FDA Approved

*UPDATE January 28, 2013*:  Auvi-Q Launches in the US today. See the press release from Sanofi US here.


*UPDATE OCTOBER 26, 2012*: "...Auvi-Q will be distributed to retail pharmacies in the first quarter of 2013. 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. As you may or may not be aware, epinephrine is a drug that does not have a particularly long shelf-life, so 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."*

A few years back I reported on and interviewed the founders of the newest delivery system for epinephrine. That system, that concept, was purchased by Sanofi US and now that system has FDA approval and an official name. Called Auvi-Q (pronounced Ah-Vee-Cue), according to the Sanofi press release:

• Auvi-Q is the first and only compact epinephrine auto-injector with audio and visual cues to help guide patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process during an allergic reaction.
• Auvi-Q is the size and shape of a credit card and the thickness of a smart phone and fits comfortably in a pocket or small purse.
• In addition, Auvi-Q has a retractable needle mechanism to help prevent accidental needle sticks post-injection.

As this product was developed by the Edwards twins, men who have anaphylaxis (more about them here), they wanted something they could carry and they came up with this novel shape, square-like, easier for a man-pocket. (Have a look at the video that shows the demo, with a tween boy.) Super smart. So often boys, young adult men, and even fully adult men don’t carry their epinephrine auto-injector. As we all know, all it takes is one tiny morsel for a possibly severe reaction that will be swift (and possibly fatal). Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) that is recommended by the food allergy guidelines developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Once prescribed, an auto-injector must be carried at all times.

Perhaps this new Auvi-Q shape and delivery system would work for your family. Now that the product has approval, it will roll out sometime after November 15, 2012 nationally. When purchased, Auvi-Q comes with two devices and trainer. They also have two sizes 0.3 mg (over 66 pounds) and 0.15 (for less than 66 pounds).

Check out the video and the Auvi-Q site for more information and consult your board certified allergist about your needs.