The Auvi-Q® recall has clearly sent many of us scrambling to the pharmacy, our wallets and to schools to replace. Unsettling as the last few days have been, it is really critical we stay focused on the three R’s! Please share this information with those in your food allergy community. During a time like this, it is critical that we all point everyone back to the Auvi-Q® website for vetted official information.
Disclaimer: I did participate on a call today with representatives of Sanofi and Chief Medical Director, Dr. Paul Chew. The goal was for us to hear current information, ask questions and most of all, be part of the communication solution.
- Replace! First and foremost– immediately replace your current Auvi-Q® device to ensure that you are properly prepared for an anaphylactic emergency with two full doses of epinephrine via an EpiPen® or Adrenaclick™ (or the Generic Andrenaclick) epinephrine auto-injectors. Is it worth the life-threatening risk to hang onto your Auvi-Q® with the potential of the device not delivering enough medication?
- Return! Yes, return your A device to Sanofi so that they may include your device in their investigation. This is critical. I was fortunate enough to participate in a call on Tuesday with Dr. Paul Chew, the Chief Medical Officer for Sanofi and he emphasized the importance of returning your device. Not only to prove your ownership of the Auvi-Q, but for Sanofi to have the ability to analyze the product. Call the Sanofi customer service line at 1-877-319-8963 or 1-866-726-6340 and they will send you a pre-paid mailer to use for your device return.
- Refund! When you call the customer service line you will be provided with instructions on how to obtain your refund for your purchase of your alternative epinephrine auto-injector replacements. Per the website, all purchases will be reimbursed with proof of purchase-again call customer service for official instructions.
Bonus R: READ. Visit the Auvi-Q® website often for updates. Since Wednesday, I have seen many changes!
The community is very passionate about their devices and this recall has created frustrations for Sanofi, patients. and care-givers. As with any crisis, the more we work together the closer we get to answers. Together we’ll get through this and I’m EXTREMELY grateful for my son’s EpiPens®. Even though he has to now carry his backpack and will work harder to be discreet–my family was sooooo happy to get our replacements before our flight on Thursday. Now that was our blessing of the week!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..