Not so fast!
Sanofi announced today that the Auvi-Q is finally available in the United States. This is exciting news in the food allergy world. This new device is full of promise with it’s much smaller size, less intimidating shape, and voice-guided instructions. For teens and adults, it is great to have another choice, but I am concerned about the children that must rely on others to administer the epinephrine. As a former teacher I always think of the implications in a school setting. Although, the Auvi-Q is voice-guided I still believe it is imperative that anyone responsibile for my child be comfortable with using it BEFORE a reaction occurs.
So, here’s what I would like to know:
- How will schools effectively respond to having 1, 2 or even 3 different devices when training? (It has been difficult enough to ensure that the appropriate people are trained with only one device. )
- How long will it take for parents, caregivers, teachers and others to become comfortable with a new device?
- Will voice-guided instructions help people to be more comfortable using the device?
- Will voice-guided instructions impact how effectively the epinephrine is administered?
While I admit that I am excited to meet the “new kid on the block”, I also acknowledge the fact that there will be a learning curve here and that it will be important to advocate for training using all devices.
What do you think? Will you try the new Auvi-Q?
Best,
Gina
Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed.
President and Founder, Food Allergy Education Network
My 13 year old son wants it. We just called the doctor for a prescription. It’s got the cool factor. He will carry it outside of school. But at school, we will stay with the Epi-pens for now. We will train his friends on the new device. I think it will be easier for them. Quicker injection, no arm swing, audio/visual cues. My son is excited about carrying it in his pocket, even with skinny jeans. Also they have discounts on the first two prescriptions making it cheaper than a Epi-pen twin pack.
I want to get a hold of some trainers first and see how they operate. It’s very difficult to say that this will be the answer we have all been waiting for with regard to others knowing how to administer the medication. My jury is still out, sounds like yours is as well. Although, one thing I do like is that there is a choice now…a choice that will enable each individual, each family to decide what works best for you, your child and your circle of caregivers.
HI Gina, I think there it will be slow for schools since each school we need new trainings for the new device and even then, families will need to choose. My son loves the Auvi-Q and my daughter wants nothing of it. I think it will work for some and others not. But for schools, I think that will take until next year! Someone asked about the heat temperature if it is kept in a pant pocket for long, so I’m hoping to find that answer soon.
I thought the voice activation was helpful and almost comforting too.
@Vivian, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I suspected that teens would find it more appealing because it is smaller. It’s nice to know that there is an option that teens feel more comfortable with. I am going to get the Auvi-Q today (just to check it out), but like you I will be sticking with the Epipen at school and at home. I will need time to feel confident using a new device. I’ve used the Epipen twice on my daughter, so I know that I can do it in an emergency situation.
@Kristin Beltaos. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree. It’s nice to have a choice. I am hopeful that this will be more user-friendly and will take away some of the fear factor, but I’m still concerned about adequate training. I don’t want people to think that because it is voice-guided that training isn’t necessary. In an emergency situation, it’s the training that kicks in.
@Grateful Foodie. Thank you for your thoughtful response. It’s good to know that you found the voice-guided instructions comforting. You also bring up a good point in that some children may not even like the new option.
I agree it will be another year before schools are able to handle an additional device. My hope is that school trainers give ample time for teachers/paraprofessionals to become comfortable with both the Epipen and the Auvi-Q. As part of my daughter’s 504, all of her teachers are trained using an expired Epipen as well. (I think it’s important for them to feel the “kick-back” of the real thing.) So I am wondering how the real Auvi-Q injector differs from the trainer. Is there the “kick-back” that you feel on the Epipen?
I am interested to know about the temperature issue as well. I know you will let us all know when you find out.
Not sure if you saw the NYTimes article on Auvi-Q this weekend. Check out this blog! http://blog.onespotallergy.com/2013/02/mylan-lashes-out-at-sanofi-only-two-weeks-after-auvi-q-launch/#comments Some interesting comments and info in this one!
Thanks Devon. I did read it. Interesting indeed!