Auvi-Q dosage

Read below for recommended dosages of Auvi-Q and other details about the drug.

Auvi-Q form

Auvi-Q comes as a solution in a single-dose prefilled autoinjector (automatic injection device). The drug is given as an intramuscular injection or a subcutaneous injection. You can self-inject the drug, but someone else may need to do it for you.

Note: There are two autoinjectors per Auvi-Q package.

Auvi-Q strengths

Auvi-Q comes in three strengths:

• 0.1 milligrams epinephrine* in 0.1 milliliters solution (0.1 mg/0.1 mL)
• 0.15 mg/0.15 mL
• 0.3 mg/0.3 mL

* Epinephrine is also called adrenaline.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that doctors commonly prescribe or recommend for adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for allergic reactions

Doctors prescribe Auvi-Q for treating severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

If your doctor prescribes Auvi-Q, your dose will likely depend on your body weight in kilograms (kg).*

The table below shows the typically recommended dose by body weight:

For example, if you weigh 65 kg (about 143 lb), your doctor will prescribe the 0.3 mg/0.3 mL strength of Auvi-Q. In case of a severe allergic reaction, you’ll use your prescribed Auvi-Q autoinjector. It will deliver a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine.

If your symptoms continue after one dose, you should use a second autoinjector. (Auvi-Q comes with two autoinjection devices per package.) But do not inject more than two doses.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

* One kilogram is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Children’s dosage

Auvi-Q is prescribed to treat severe allergic reactions in children who weigh at least 7.5 kg (about 16.5 lb). Your child’s doctor will determine the right dose for your child based on their body weight. For details, see the weight-based Auvi-Q doses in “Typical dosages” just above.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

Long-term treatment

Auvi-Q is an emergency treatment for allergic reaction. Doctors prescribe the drug to keep on hand in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect after administering a dose of Auvi-Q.

Auvi-Q comes as a prefilled autoinjector that’s given as an intramuscular (IM) injection or subcutaneous injection. You can self-inject Auvi-Q, or someone else can give you the injection.

Your doctor or pharmacist will show you (or your caregiver) how to use the autoinjector. Be sure to inject Auvi-Q according to your prescribed instructions.

Specifically, you inject Auvi-Q into the middle of your outer thigh. With a subcutaneous injection, you inject the medication under your skin. You give IM injections into a muscle.

If you’re giving your child Auvi-Q, take care to hold their leg still during the injection. Your child’s doctor can show you how to safely do this.

Other important points to remember include the following:

• You can give the injection through clothing.
• Do not inject Auvi-Q into the hands, fingers, feet, or toes.
• Do not inject Auvi-Q into a vein.
• Go to the nearest emergency room or call your local emergency number after an Auvi-Q injection in case the allergic reaction comes back.

Auvi-Q comes with a trainer device (without an active drug or a needle) to practice giving the injection. Each autoinjector also comes with voice instructions to guide you through the injection. To learn more about Auvi-Q injections, you can watch this video and read these step-by-step instructions.

Note: Keep Auvi-Q with you at all times in case you have an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. There are two autoinjectors in each package of Auvi-Q. If you use an autoinjector, be sure to refill your prescription so you always have an autoinjector available. You’ll store your Auvi-Q autoinjector at room temperature, protected from direct light. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

It’s important that you do not inject more Auvi-Q than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Auvi-Q require medical attention. They can include:

• very high blood pressure
• bleeding in the brain
• fluid buildup in the lungs
• slower or faster heart rate than is typical
• heart rhythm problems
• skin that is cooler and paler than is typical
• kidney and blood acid problems

If you use more than the recommended amount of Auvi-Q

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Auvi-Q. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Auvi-Q and dosage.

Is the dosage of Auvi-Q similar to the dosage of EpiPen?

Yes, the dosage of Auvi-Q is similar to the dosage of EpiPen (epinephrine). These medications contain the same active drug and come as a prefilled autoinjector (automatic injection device).

Auvi-Q comes in three strengths, and EpiPen comes in two strengths (0.15 milligrams [mg] and 0.3 mg). Each autoinjector contains a single dose of the drug. For example, if your doctor prescribes the 0.3 mg strength of EpiPen, the autoinjector will deliver 0.3 mg as a single dose.

Both Auvi-Q and EpiPen are used for the emergency treatment of an allergic reaction. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and strength that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Auvi-Q to start working?

Auvi-Q starts to work right after you inject it.* Your allergic reaction symptoms should start to improve right away. Always go to the nearest emergency room (or call your local emergency number) right after your injection. This is because your allergic reaction may return and you may need more treatment.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Auvi-Q treatment.

* You give Auvi-Q as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Auvi-Q for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Auvi-Q without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Auvi-Q that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Auvi-Q. These additional articles might be helpful:

• More about Auvi-Q. For information about other aspects of Auvi-Q, refer to this article.
• Details about your condition. For details about your condition, see our asthma and allergies hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.