AUVI-Q (Epinephrine) — A Guide Explained Simply
Imagine someone you know eats peanuts or gets stung by an insect and suddenly can’t breathe, their throat is swelling — this is anaphylaxis. In such cases, you cannot waste time thinking. AUVI-Q (epinephrine) is that life-saving emergency injection — it can open the airway, raise blood pressure, and reduce swelling within seconds..
AUVI-Q® is a pre-filled auto-injector that contains epinephrine (adrenaline) — the active drug used to rapidly treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Device strengths (single-use, fixed dose):
0.3 mg: 0.3 mg/0.3 mL epinephrine injection, USP
0.15 mg: 0.15 mg/0.15 mL
0.1 mg: 0.1 mg/0.1 mL
Each AUVI-Q delivers one fixed dose and is single-use. Any solution remaining in the device is not for future use.
Excipients (inactive ingredients): sodium chloride, sodium bisulfite (antioxidant), hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment), and water for injection. pH ~2.2–5.0.
Light-sensitive: keep in the outer case to protect from light.
Latex: not made with natural rubber latex.
Epinephrine molecule (at a glance):
Class: Sympathomimetic catecholamine (α- and β-adrenergic agonist)
IUPAC: (R)-4-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2-diol
(also described as (−)-3,4-dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol)Formula: C₉H₁₃NO₃ • Molar mass: ~183.2 g/mol
Stereochemistry: naturally (R), levorotatory (−) enantiomer is active
Key features: catechol ring (3,4-dihydroxy), β-hydroxy + methylamino side chain → fast onset, short duration
It can happen suddenly: From food (nuts, eggs, shellfish), medicines, insect stings, contrast dyes — or sometimes with no clear reason.
It can come back: Symptoms may return after initially improving — so hospital visit is mandatory after injection.
Less talk, more action: Give it as soon as symptoms start — don’t wait for a doctor’s permission; see the doctor afterward.
2) How to recognize — “It’s time to use AUVI-Q now”
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, broken speech, trouble swallowing
Swelling of tongue/lips/throat
Widespread hives, severe itching
Dizziness, weak pulse, fainting
Abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
Chest pounding, restlessness, sense of impending doom
👉 If even 1–2 strong symptoms appear, don’t delay: use AUVI-Q and head to the ER/ambulance
When to Use and When NOT to Use
| Use (✔️ Emergency only) | Do NOT Use (❌ Normal situations) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing, wheezing | Everyday mild allergy, rash only |
| Swelling of tongue, lips, throat | Sneezing, runny nose |
| Dizziness, weak pulse, fainting | Small skin bumps, mild itching |
| Chest pounding, extreme anxiety | Not for routine use |
| Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea with allergy | Not for unrelated illnesses |
👉 Golden Rule: “Normal situation = NO AUVI-Q” • “Severe allergy emergency = YES, AUVI-Q immediately”
| Weight | Dose |
|---|---|
| ≥ 30 kg (≈66 lb) | 0.3 mg |
| 15–30 kg (≈33–66 lb) | 0.15 mg |
| 7.5–15 kg (≈16.5–33 lb) | 0.1 mg |
Second Dose: If symptoms don’t improve or return within 5–15 minutes, you can use a second AUVI-Q injector (backup device). More than two doses should only be given under medical supervision.
Take AUVI-Q out of the case
Remove the red safety guard
Place the black end against the middle outer thigh (can go through clothing)
Press firmly → you’ll hear a click + hiss → hold for 2 seconds
Remove → head straight to ambulance/hospital
For children/infants: Hold the leg firmly before and during injection so they don’t kick.
Where NOT to inject: Never into a vein, buttock, fingers, toes, hands, or feet → it can cause serious injury.
5) Most Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
“Let’s wait and see” → ❌ No, give immediately at first signs.
Injecting into the buttock → less effective, risk of infection.
Carrying only one AUVI-Q → ❌ Always keep two.
Staying at home after injection → ❌ Must go to ER (symptoms may rebound).
Not checking solution/expiry → Solution should be clear/colorless; replace if pink/yellow/cloudy/with particles.
Shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, paleness
Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, restlessness
Rare: Infection at injection site — redness/warmth/swelling/pain → see a doctor
👉 In anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the first and correct treatment — side effects should not cause delay.
May increase risk: Heart medicines (cardiac glycosides), diuretics, anti-arrhythmics
Potentiates effects: TCAs, MAOIs, levothyroxine, certain antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine)
Antagonizes: Beta-blockers, alpha-blockers
Ergot alkaloids can reverse effects
👉 Rule of Thumb: In emergency, don’t worry about interactions — give AUVI-Q first, then inform doctors.
Heart disease/high BP, overactive thyroid, diabetes, elderly, Parkinson’s disease
Contains sodium bisulfite — still, in emergencies epinephrine must be given
Contraindications: None in life-threatening allergy situations.
Pregnancy / Breastfeeding / Children / Elderly
Pregnancy: Epinephrine is first-line in anaphylaxis — same use as in others; hospital afterward.
Breastfeeding: Can use safely — inform doctor afterward.
Children: Not suitable for under 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) — consult doctor.
Elderly: Side effects may be stronger, but still necessary in emergencies.
Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F); keep in outer case (protect from light); do not freeze
Solution in window must be clear/colorless
Check expiry date regularly
Dispose of used device in sharps container; not reusable
Trainer device (gray case, no needle/medicine) → practice regularly
Personal Checklist:
☐ Inform location at school/work/home
☐ Always keep two AUVI-Q devices
☐ Teach family/friends/teachers how to use
☐ Carry allergy trigger-card/medical ID
☐ Inspect expiry and solution monthly
11) If Accidentally Injected into Finger/Toe?
Go to ER immediately — blood flow may be cut off in those areas. Tell the doctor exactly where the injection occurred.
Final Word
Anaphylaxis is unpredictable—act fast. Always carry two AUVI-Q injectors, use at the first signs (trouble breathing, throat/tongue swelling, dizziness, widespread hives), inject into the middle outer thigh and hold for 2 seconds, then call emergency services and go to the ER. If symptoms persist or return within 5–15 minutes, use the second injector. Practice with the Trainer, check solution clarity and expiry monthly, and store at 20–25°C protected from light. In life-threatening allergy, epinephrine is first-line—don’t delay over side effects or drug interactions. Teach family, friends, and caregivers where the device is and how to use it.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. In any emergency, use AUVI-Q immediately and then go to the ER/ambulance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources
At Pataful, every health article is based on information from peer-reviewed journals, reputable academic institutions, and trusted medical organizations. We select high-quality, verifiable sources and update our content regularly. See our editorial policy for details.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/201739s008s009lbl.pdf