Auvi-Q

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Auvi-Q

Brand Names: Auvi-Q
Drug Class: alpha-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC], beta-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC], Catecholamine [EPC]
Route: INTRAMUSCULAR
Dosage Form: INJECTION, SOLUTION
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

11 DESCRIPTION AUVI-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg, 0.15 mg and 0.1 mg is an autoinjector and a combination product containing drug and device components. AUVI-Q includes audible (electronic voice instructions, beeps) and visible (LED lights) cues for use. The needle automatically retracts after the injection is complete. Each AUVI-Q 0.3 mg delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution. Each AUVI-Q 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.15 mL) in a sterile solution. Each AUVI-Q 0.1 mg delivers a single dose of 0.1 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.1 mL) in a sterile solution . AUVI-Q 0.3 mg, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg and AUVI-Q 0.1 mg each contain 0.76 mL epinephrine solution. 0.3 mL, 0.15 mL and 0.1 mL epinephrine solution is dispensed for AUVI-Q 0.3 mg, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg and AUVI-Q 0.1 mg, respectively, when activated. The remaining solution is not available for future use and should be discarded. Each 0.3 mL in AUVI-Q 0.3 mg contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 2.3 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2–5.0. Each 0.15 mL in AUVI-Q 0.15 mg contains 0.15 mg epinephrine, 1.2 mg sodium chloride, 0.2 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2–5.0. Each 0.1 mL in AUVI-Q 0.1 mg contains 0.1 mg epinephrine, 0.78 mg sodium chloride, 0.15 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2–5.0. Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. Chemically, epinephrine is (-)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol with the following structure: Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. AUVI-Q is not made with natural rubber latex. AUVI-Q instructional and...

What Is Auvi-Q Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE AUVI-Q® is indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants) and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitoes), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media) and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. AUVI-Q is intended for immediate administration in patients who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm, pruritus, rashes, urticaria or angioedema. AUVI-Q is intended for immediate self-administration as emergency supportive therapy only and is not a substitute for immediate medical care.

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Selection of the appropriate dosage strength (AUVI-Q 0.3 mg, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg or AUVI-Q 0.1 mg) is determined according to patient body weight. Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): AUVI-Q 0.3 mg Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 to 66 pounds): AUVI-Q 0.15 mg Patients 7.5 to 15 kg (16.5 to 33 pounds): AUVI-Q 0.1 mg Inject AUVI-Q intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Instruct caregivers of young children and infants who are prescribed AUVI-Q and who may be uncooperative and kick or move during an injection to hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Each AUVI-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine for single-dose injection. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from AUVI-Q are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.1 mg are deemed necessary. The prescriber should carefully assess each patient to determine the most appropriate dose of epinephrine, recognizing the life-threatening nature of the reactions for which this drug is indicated. With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional AUVI-Q may be necessary. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. The epinephrine solution in the viewing window of AUVI-Q should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Epinephrine is light sensitive and should be stored in the outer case provided to protect it from light [see How Supplied/ Storage and Handling (16)].

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Due to lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports, and studies are listed below. Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac disease or those receiving certain drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Rapid rises in blood pressure have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Angina may occur in patients with coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Rare cases of stress cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients treated with epinephrine. Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Adverse events experienced as a result of accidental injections may include increased heart rate, local reactions including injection site pallor, coldness and hypoesthesia or injury at the injection site resulting in bruising, bleeding, discoloration, erythema or skeletal injury. Injection of epinephrine into the buttock has resulted in cases of gas gangrene [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection in the thigh [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Drugs Increasing Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmias Patients who receive epinephrine while concomitantly taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics, or anti-arrhythmics should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. 7.2 Drugs Potentiating Effects of Epinephrine The effects of epinephrine may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines, notably chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, and diphenhydramine. 7.3 Drugs Antagonizing Effects of Epinephrine The cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of epinephrine are antagonized by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as propranolol. The vasoconstricting and hypertensive effects of epinephrine are antagonized by alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as phentolamine. Ergot alkaloids may also reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NONE

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Treatment consists of rapidly acting vasodilators or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs and/or respiratory support. Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia, and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug such as propranolol. Overdosage sometimes results in extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis, and kidney failure. Suitable corrective measures must be taken in such situations.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING HOW SUPPLIED

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.