Auvi-Q

AUVI-Q- epinephrine injection, solution
Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC

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.

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.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-use 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. Each AUVI-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine for single-use 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 [ ]. 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 [ ]. 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 STORAGE AND HANDLING ( 16.2) ].

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

• Injection, 0.3 mg/0.3 mL epinephrine injection, USP, pre-filled auto-injector
• Injection, 0.15 mg/0.15 mL epinephrine injection, USP, pre-filled auto-injector
• Injection, 0.1 mg/0.1 mL epinephrine injection, USP, pre-filled auto-injector

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 EMERGENCY TREATMENT

AUVI-Q is not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [ see INDICATIONS AND USAGE ( 1), DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2) and PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION ( 17.1) ].

5.2 INJECTION-RELATED COMPLICATIONS

AUVI-Q should ONLY be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh [ see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2) and PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION ( 17.1) ].

• Do not inject intravenously. Large doses or accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage due to sharp rise in blood pressure. Rapidly acting vasodilators can counteract the marked pressor effects of epinephrine if there is such inadvertent administration.
• Do not inject into buttock. Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room for further treatment of anaphylaxis. Additionally, injection into the buttock has been associated with Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Cleansing with alcohol does not kill bacterial spores, and therefore, does not lower this risk.
• Do not inject into digits, hands or feet. Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor, accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room and to inform the healthcare provider in the emergency room of the location of the accidental injection. Treatment of such inadvertent administration should consist of vasodilation, in addition to further appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis [ see ADVERSE REACTIONS ( 6) ].
• Hold leg firmly during injection. To minimize the risk of injection-related injury when administering AUVI-Q to young children or infants, instruct caregivers to hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection.

5.3 SERIOUS INFECTIONS AT THE INJECTION SITE

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 for anaphylaxis. Clostridium spores can be present on the skin and introduced into the deep tissue with subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. While cleansing with alcohol may reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin, alcohol cleansing does not kill Clostridium spores. To decrease the potential risk of a rare, but serious Clostridium infection, do not inject AUVI-Q into the buttock [ see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.2) ]. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site.

5.4 ALLERGIC REACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SULFITE

Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic reactions or other emergency situations even though this product contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may, in other products, cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms or life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons.

The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive.

The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.