My hopes for a simple alternative to Epi Pens® has taken a bit of an interesting turn. It seems that Sanofi’s new product, the Click this link to watch the video of how to use the Auvi-Q epinephrine Autoinjector, which has just received FDA approval, but is not on the market…yet, is also a talking device. Yes, you heard me. The epinephrine autoinjector Auvi-Q’stalks!
Auvi-Q. You really need to see the video to understand.
Needless to say my curiosity is off the hook. I truly love the idea of the epinephrine autoinjector providing recorded direction of usage. Good idea Sanofi! I want to know everything I can about this new talking device, such as….
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- How much will it cost?
- When will be available?
- It is easier to use than the Epi Pen®?
- It is easy to carry?
- What does my allergist think of it?
- Will insurance cover this devise?
- How long is the shelf life?
The website also provides prescribing information plus a Auvi-Q Fact Sheet (or click on this link for the PDF), which details features and how to get Sanofi Press Release. The website also detailed how to use the Auvi-Q trainer and provided a detail AuviQ Trainer instruction. You can sign up at the Patient Connection to be notified when the product is available on the market! Sanofi Press Release discusses that a bioequivalence clinical study was conducted and the Auvi-Q and Epi Pen both delivered the right amount of epinephrine the same! So, we’re talking apples to apples here regarding epinephrine delivery.
I truly hope that when the product comes available, the price is truly more affordable and reasonable! Please share if you hear first about availability and/or if you have used one! I’d love to hear how folks are enjoying or not enjoying this product. By the way, Sanofi does offer a Patient Assistance program called Patient Connection that is available on their main website.
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!..
Caroline, one of the readers on our Facebook page posted that the Auvi-Q will be available to US consumers in November 2012.
Thanks!!! I’m anxious..this would be a great option for a teen aged boy.
here’s a little background if you didn’t know and are interested. The Auvi-Q was originally called and epi-card. It was invented by twin brothers who both have severe allergies. They started their own company called intelliject, right out of college, with the purpose of making the epi-card. The name was changed when it was purchased by Sanofi. I’m going to attach an interview that sloan miller did with them a few years back in case you want to read it. I enjoyed getting to know a bit about the minds and lives of these two men. http://www.healthcentral.com/allergy/c/3900/42426/edwards-intelliject%20
I appreciate this….thanks soooo Much Aggie!
I’m a rep for this amazing product, and although we started promoting it today to physicians, it will not be stocked and on the shelves until early 2013….shooting for the end of January.
I am a rep that is lucky enough to ge tto carry this amazing product and although we started promoting it today, it will not be in the pharmacy until early 2013. Shooting for January.
Hi Karen, Thanks for the update! Can you email me directly at caroline@gratefulfoodie.com? I would love to hear more about the promotion.
Well, unfortunately, if you’re looking for a price drop due to competition, that is probably not what you will experience. Pharmaceuticals don’t exactly work that way and we expect this new device to be slightly higher than EpiPen since it’s new technology and innovation. But remember, you get what you pay for and this device actually talks someone through the injection process if anyone ever needs to administer the injection to your child. As a mother, that’s peace of mind if you ask me! Almost like buying an insurance policy. As far as having a rep speak, I’m not sure how that would work from a legal standpoint….our hands are very bound legally! I would call the company and ask….1-800-321-0855, press “0” and ask the operator to guide you in the right direction. Hope that helps!
Karen, this helps immensely! I appreciate you taking the time to share this information. I am very anxious to see the community’s response to the shape and size. My children are growing up with that exact size in their daily life. I think it might be a stroke of design and delivery brilliance, but the proof is always in the pudding. I can’t wait for January needless to say.
Hi Karen,
Isn’t it recommended that we carry two auto-injectors with us? When you have to carry two of those Auvi-Q devices they suddenly do not become that small to have. Also, can’t you see someone confusing the Auvi-Q for something else while in a panic mode having an attack? The audible instructions are only in English. What about Spanish speaking people? Lastly, the Auvi-Q website states that it takes like over 20 seconds to count down. Thanks, but I’ll stick with my Epipen which has been on the market for 25 years! There is a reason for it!
Hi Bill,
Caroline here, my kids carry two Epi Pens always and I carry back up as well in my purse. I thought the countdown was only 5 seconds, on the Auvi-Q–shorter that what is currently suggested for our Epi Pens. The Auvi-Q is going to be quite interesting! My kids are growing up very comfortable with cell phone shaped devices and I am used to an auto-injector and find those quite easy to carry. I am anxious to see how my kid’s respond to the Auvi-Q. I’m also quite interested to see how my school nurses respond too!
I agree, I worry about confusing and grabbing my cell phone! The Epi Pen has a unique shape in my purse! I would love to hear your thoughts if you get to practice on an Auvi-Q! Thanks for sharing and have a great week. Caroline
I am the nurses secretary for the Naugatuck, Ct. school district. My supervisor would like me to order some Auvi-Q (Sanofi) trainers for our district nurses before ordering the new epi-pens. Would you please advise me on how to do this.
Thank you, Sue Paradis
I am the nurses secretary for the Naugatuck School System…..my supervisor would like me to order some Auvi-
I am the nurses secretary for the Naugatuck School System….my supervisor would like me to order some trainers for the new Auvi-Q epi pen. How do I go about doing so.
paradiss@naugy.net
thank you
Hi Susan, Good timing on the question! I just asked Sanofi this week since my school district is seeking some trainers too! They gave me their customer service number and said to call them at 800-633-1610.
I have some training products and I teach CPR and First Aid. I had a question that I did not know the answer too.
Does the needle stay exposed after you give the injection or does it retract into the device??? PAT
Hi Pat! Visit the http://www.auvi-Q website for details–you can also call their customer service with your question. BUT Julie Brown filmed this video of her firing off the Auvi-Q and posted it on You Tube.