Auvi-Q interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors

Before you start treatment with Auvi-Q, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Auvi-Q interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Auvi-Q and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with Auvi-Q. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Auvi-Q. Some of these interactions are described in detail just below in “Drug interactions in depth.”

* For details about this interaction, see the “Drug interactions in depth” section below.

There are no known interactions between Auvi-Q and alcohol.

If you drink alcohol and have questions about receiving Auvi-Q, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Auvi-Q.

Diuretics

Diuretics are prescribed to help your body get rid of water and sodium. They’re used for conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure.

Interaction result. Receiving Auvi-Q while taking a diuretic could make Auvi-Q less effective. Diuretics may also increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm with Auvi-Q.

Interaction explained. Auvi-Q works in several ways to treat a severe allergic reaction. One way is by narrowing your blood vessels, which can raise your blood pressure. This counters the drop in blood pressure that can occur during an allergic reaction. (To learn more about how Auvi-Q works, see this article.)

Diuretics can be used to lower blood pressure. In this way, diuretics may counteract the blood-pressure-raising effect of Auvi-Q. As a result, Auvi-Q may be less effective at reversing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

In rare cases, Auvi-Q may cause an irregular heart rhythm as a side effect. Diuretics can affect the level of potassium in your blood, which can also increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm. Receiving Auvi-Q while taking diuretics could further raise the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

Examples of diuretic drugs. Here are some diuretics that may interact with Auvi-Q:

• hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
• furosemide (Furoscix, Lasix)
• amiloride (Midamor)

Steps you or your doctor may take. Before your doctor prescribes Auvi-Q, be sure to tell them if you’re taking a diuretic. They’ll make sure that you understand how to recognize the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction so you only use Auvi-Q when it’s necessary.

Keep in mind that the benefits of using Auvi-Q for severe allergic reactions are usually greater than the risks of using it while taking a diuretic. However, you should always get emergency medical care after using Auvi-Q. Emergency care professionals can help manage any side effects you may have experienced from using Auvi-Q with a diuretic.

If you have other questions about Auvi-Q and diuretics, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Certain antihistamines

Antihistamines are used to ease symptoms of allergies and other conditions. Several antihistamines are available over the counter, meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase them.

Interaction result. Receiving Auvi-Q while taking certain antihistamines may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm with Auvi-Q.

Interaction explained. Rarely, Auvi-Q may cause irregular heart rhythm as a side effect. Certain antihistamines can also cause this side effect, especially when they’re taken in high doses. Receiving Auvi-Q while taking certain antihistamines could increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

Examples of antihistamine drugs. Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are examples of antihistamines that may interact with Auvi-Q.

Steps you or your doctor may take. Auvi-Q is used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Antihistamines can be used to ease symptoms of more mild allergic reactions. However, they’re not typically effective for severe allergic reactions.

Your doctor will help you recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction. They can advise whether an antihistamine may help with specific symptoms or whether Auvi-Q should be used instead. Your doctor can also tell you when it might be safe to use Auvi-Q together with an antihistamine.

If you have other questions about Auvi-Q and antihistamines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others) is prescribed to treat certain thyroid conditions, including underactive thyroid.

Interaction result. Receiving Auvi-Q while taking levothyroxine may increase the effect of Auvi-Q.

Interaction explained. Auvi-Q treats severe allergic reactions in several ways. For example, the drug increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels. These effects work against the drop in blood pressure that occurs during an allergic reaction and help the heart pump blood around the body. (To learn more about how Auvi-Q works, see this article.)

Using Auvi-Q while taking levothyroxine can potentially enhance these effects. This is because both medications may increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Steps you or your doctor may take. Before using Auvi-Q, be sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking levothyroxine. They’ll help you recognize the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction so you only use Auvi-Q when it’s necessary.

It’s important to remember that the benefits of using Auvi-Q for severe allergic reactions are usually greater than the risks of using it while taking levothyroxine. Still, you should always get emergency medical care after using Auvi-Q. Emergency care professionals can help manage any side effects you may have after using Auvi-Q while taking levothyroxine.

If you have other questions about Auvi-Q and levothyroxine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Auvi-Q may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information doesn’t include all other possible interactions with Auvi-Q.

Auvi-Q interactions with supplements

Before you’re prescribed Auvi-Q, tell your doctor and pharmacist which supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

It’s possible for Auvi-Q to interact with caffeine supplements. Receiving Auvi-Q while you’re taking caffeine supplements may increase the risk of certain side effects with Auvi-Q. Examples include high blood pressure and increased heart rate.

It’s important to remember that Auvi-Q is prescribed for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. If you take caffeine supplements, your doctor may still prescribe Auvi-Q. This is because the benefits of using Auvi-Q for severe allergic reactions are likely greater than the risks of receiving the drug while taking caffeine supplements. You should always get emergency medical care after receiving Auvi-Q.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Auvi-Q and herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Auvi-Q. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while receiving Auvi-Q.

Auvi-Q and vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Auvi-Q. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product while receiving Auvi-Q.

Auvi-Q interactions with food

It’s possible for Auvi-Q to interact with caffeine, which may be present in some foods and drinks. Examples include green tea, coffee, and certain soft drinks.

The amount of caffeine in foods and drinks is typically much less than in a caffeine supplement.* However, it’s possible that caffeinated foods and drinks may still increase the risk of certain side effects with Auvi-Q. Examples include high blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Keep in mind that Auvi-Q is prescribed for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. Your doctor will likely prescribe Auvi-Q regardless of any foods or drinks you consume. This is because the benefits of using Auvi-Q for severe allergic reactions are likely to be greater than the risks of receiving the drug with caffeine. You should always get emergency medical care after receiving Auvi-Q.

To learn more about receiving Auvi-Q while eating certain foods, talk with your doctor.

* For details about this interaction, see “Auvi-Q interactions with supplements” above.

Auvi-Q and vaccines

There aren’t any known interactions between Auvi-Q and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Auvi-Q and lab tests

Auvi-Q isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

AUVI-Q INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

It’s possible for cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), to interact with Auvi-Q.

Receiving Auvi-Q while using cannabis products may worsen certain side effects of either product. Examples include high blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Before you’re prescribed Auvi-Q, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many U.S. states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Auvi-Q. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Auvi-Q may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Auvi-Q include:

• Being 65 years or older.If you’re 65 years or older, talk with your doctor before they prescribe Auvi-Q. Your risk of side effects from Auvi-Q may be higher than for younger people. Your doctor can tell you more about these risks and recommend the right treatment plan.
• Overactive thyroid. If you have an overactive thyroid, talk with your doctor before using Auvi-Q. You may have more severe or long lasting side effects from Auvi-Q after the drug is injected. Always get emergency medical care after receiving Auvi-Q.
• High blood pressure or heart problems. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, talk with your doctor before they prescribe Auvi-Q. Examples of heart problems include conditions such as irregular heart rhythm and coronary artery disease. Receiving Auvi-Q may temporarily worsen high blood pressure or any heart problem you already have. You should always get emergency medical care after receiving Auvi-Q.
• Parkinson’s disease. If you have Parkinson’s disease, talk with your doctor before they prescribe Auvi-Q. Symptoms of this condition may temporarily worsen after Auvi-Q is injected. Always get emergency medical care after receiving Auvi-Q.
• Diabetes. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor before using Auvi-Q. The drug may temporarily increase your blood sugar level after injection. Always get emergency medical care after receiving Auvi-Q.
• Allergic reaction. Auvi-Q is prescribed for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Auvi-Q or any of its ingredients, talk with your doctor. It’s important to note that receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. However, your doctor will likely prescribe Auvi-Q anyway. This is because the benefits of using the drug for severe allergic reactions are likely to be greater than the risks. Always call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room immediately after receiving Auvi-Q.
• Breastfeeding. It’s generally considered safe to use Auvi-Q while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before they prescribe Auvi-Q. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
• Pregnancy. Auvi-Q is generally considered safe to use while pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before they prescribe Auvi-Q. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Auvi-Q. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Auvi-Q label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Auvi-Q doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Auvi-Q by using it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Besides learning about interactions, you may want to find out more about Auvi-Q. These resources might help:

• Overview of Auvi-Q. For a general overview of Auvi-q, you can see this article.
• Dosage specifics. To learn about the dosage of Auvi-q, see this article.
• Facts about your condition. To learn more 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.