Auvi-Q and Epipen are Bioequivalent

Epinephrine is the first-line therapy for anaphylactic reactions. The market now includes Auvi-Q, a self-injectable epinephrine with a prompting audiovisual system. There is a comparative study of the traditional EpiPen vs Auvi-Q that indicates that the 0.3mg dose of epinephrine was bioequivalent with similar peak and epinephrine exposure. Safety and tolerability were also similar. Although, Auvi-Q had less injection site pain and bleeding. The self-instructing delivery system may also ease the anxiety of users unfamiliar with injections during an emergency.

Edwards ES, Gunn R, Simons ER, et al : Bioavailability of epinephrine from Auvi-Q compared with EpiPen. Ann All Asthma Immunol. 2013; 11:132-137.

Author

Saraleen Benouni, MD Dr. Benouni specializes in the treatment of asthma, allergies, atopic dermatitis, and immune disorders for both adults and children. She has presented and published research at national allergy meetings and has authored papers on drug allergies and skin conditions. She is a member of the American College and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the Los Angeles Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology.