Auvi-Q (epinephrine) is a prescription drug that’s used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction. The drug comes as a solution that’s injected into your thigh. You usually give it as a one-time dose.
Auvi-Q is used in adults and certain children for emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.
The active ingredient in Auvi-Q is epinephrine. Auvi-Q belongs to a group of drugs called non-selective alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor agonists.
This article describes the dosages of Auvi-Q, as well as its strengths and how to give it. To learn more about Auvi-Q, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Auvi-Q. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Auvi-Q’s form?
Auvi-Q comes as a liquid solution in a prefilled auto-injector.
What strengths does Auvi-Q come in?
Auvi-Q comes in three strengths:
- 0.3 milligrams of epinephrine per 0.3 milliliters of solution (mg/mL)
- 0.15 mg/0.15 mL
- 0.1 mg/0.1 mL
What are the usual dosages of Auvi-Q in adults?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your dosage of Auvi-Q is based on your body weight.
Be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for severe allergic reaction
Auvi-Q treats severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, in adults. Its dosage is based on body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
The table below shows dosages in mg. Auvi-Q is given as a one-time dose for emergency treatment.
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Recommended one-time dose |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 to 15 kg | 16.5 to 33 lb | 0.1 mg |
| 15 to 30 kg | 33 to 66 lb | 0.15 mg |
| 30 kg or more | 66 lb or more | 0.3 mg |
As an example, a person who weighs 32 kg (about 70 lb) would use a dosage of 0.3 mg.
After giving a dose of Auvi-Q, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency medical center.
If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor.
What’s the dosage of Auvi-Q for children?
Auvi-Q treats severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, in infants and children who weigh at least 7.5 kg (about 16.5 lb). It’s used as an emergency treatment. It’s not known whether Auvi-Q is safe to use in children who weigh less than 7.5 kg.
The dosage used in children is based on body weight and is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the table above.
For more information about Auvi-Q’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Auvi-Q used long term?
Auvi-Q is used only for emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. You do not use it regularly.
Your doctor will prescribe a one-time dose of Auvi-Q for emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction.
If you have questions about Auvi-Q’s use, talk with your doctor.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Auvi-Q’s dosage.
Is Auvi-Q’s dosage similar to the dosage of EpiPen?
Yes, their dosages, forms, and how each drug works are similar. Auvi-Q and EpiPen both treat severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Both drugs contain epinephrine as their active ingredient.
The dosages of Auvi-Q and EpiPen are based on body weight. You give both drugs as an injection into your outer thigh.
Auvi-Q comes in three strengths: 0.3 mg/0.3 mL, 0.15 mg/0.15 mL, and 0.1 mg/0.1 mL. EpiPen comes in two strengths: 0.3 mg/0.3 mL and 0.15 mg/0.3 mL.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
Can I give my dose of Auvi-Q in my stomach?
No, you should not inject Auvi-Q into your stomach. Based on the drugmaker’s instructions, the drug should be injected only into your outer thigh. If you accidentally give the medication into any other area of your body, go to the nearest emergency department.
In rare cases, giving Auvi-Q in other areas of your body can cause serious side effects.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about giving Auvi-Q injections.
Auvi-Q comes as a liquid solution in a prefilled auto-injector. One auto-injector delivers one dose of Auvi-Q.
You inject Auvi-Q into your outer thigh. You can give the injection through your clothing. When giving a dose of Auvi-Q to an infant or child, be sure to hold their leg still during the injection.
After giving a dose of Auvi-Q, always call 911 or go to your local emergency medical center.
Keep Auvi-Q with you at all times in case of a sudden severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.
Note: Auvi-Q comes as two auto-injectors in a kit. If you use one injection, be sure to refill your prescription to have enough Auvi-Q on hand.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you or a caregiver how to give a dose of Auvi-Q. Also, the Auvi-Q injector has a built-in recording that narrates step-by-step instructions when giving a dose. You can also see written and video instructions on the drugmaker’s website.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Auvi-Q, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosage of Auvi-Q your doctor prescribes depends on your body weight.
Do not use more Auvi-Q than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- irregular, fast, or slow heart rate
- bleeding in the brain
- swelling in the lungs
- kidney failure
- very high blood pressure
- skin that’s cold or paler than usual
- high acid level in the blood
What to do in case you use too much Auvi-Q
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Auvi-Q. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource.
But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Auvi-Q’s drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Auvi-Q without your doctor’s recommendation. Only give Auvi-Q exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can I give a second dose of Auvi-Q if one dose doesn’t treat my symptoms?
- How long will I have to be prescribed Auvi-Q?
- Will my child’s dosage of Auvi-Q change if they gain weight?
To learn more about Auvi-Q, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.