Kaléo, the company behind the Auvi-Q just released a statement that they are going to be rereleasing the Auvi-Q in 2017. With Epipen’s main competitor reentering the epinephrine auto-injector market many families are excited about the prospect of the return of their favorite pocket sized, talking device.
In 2012 when the device first hit the market, I was so excited. I was the first patient whom my allergist prescribed the Auvi-Q to and the first one to have it filled at my local CVS. It was exciting because it was much smaller than the Epipen and in my opinion, much easier to use because it did not need to be swung and jabbed to be activated. For three years I proudly carried my Auvi-Qs. Many a time I used them and without fail, they made me feel better. Until they didn’t work.
Last October, about a month before the Auvi-Q recall, I had a bad anaphylactic reaction while with my friends. I used my first Auvi-Q with little improvement. We waited a few minutes hoping it would kick in but I only got worse. With my reaction worsening, my friends injected me with my second Auvi-Q but I still didn’t get much better. I still couldn’t breathe. I began to get a feeling of impending doom and the room got very dark and then very bright. I was terrified I was going to die, right then and there. Luckily, right at that point the Medics arrived with more epinephrine, Benadryl, O2, and breathing treatments. I ended up being okay. Every other time I received a shot of epinephrine, within seconds my body would respond and the swelling in my throat and lungs, making it easier to breathe. This time it was not the case. I felt like I had ben tortured. My Auvi-Q had failed me. And then, a month later, I learned it was failing others also.
Today, when I found out that the Auvi-Q was returning, I did not react with my same initial excitement. In fact, I haven't been able to get excited at all. I have never felt so close to death as I did the night my Auvi-Qs failed me. Because of that, I don't think I can ever trust an Auvi-Q again. Don’t get me wrong, I want to support a medication company created by two food allergic brothers who are not trying to scam the world by selling a $10 product for $350 a pen. I want to be able to carry a smaller product that can talk me or someone helping me through an anaphylactic reaction. For now though, I think it will take at least 5 years before I can once again purchase an Auvi-Q. Hopefully, by then, food allergies will be cured! For now, my allergy case will have two Epipens inside.
What this issue raises though it what does it take for a company, or a family member or a health care professional to regain your trust after they have harmed you or made a mistake? How do we move on? What are your opinions on the Auvi-Q? Comment below! Let's get a conversation started!
In 2012 when the device first hit the market, I was so excited. I was the first patient whom my allergist prescribed the Auvi-Q to and the first one to have it filled at my local CVS. It was exciting because it was much smaller than the Epipen and in my opinion, much easier to use because it did not need to be swung and jabbed to be activated. For three years I proudly carried my Auvi-Qs. Many a time I used them and without fail, they made me feel better. Until they didn’t work.
Last October, about a month before the Auvi-Q recall, I had a bad anaphylactic reaction while with my friends. I used my first Auvi-Q with little improvement. We waited a few minutes hoping it would kick in but I only got worse. With my reaction worsening, my friends injected me with my second Auvi-Q but I still didn’t get much better. I still couldn’t breathe. I began to get a feeling of impending doom and the room got very dark and then very bright. I was terrified I was going to die, right then and there. Luckily, right at that point the Medics arrived with more epinephrine, Benadryl, O2, and breathing treatments. I ended up being okay. Every other time I received a shot of epinephrine, within seconds my body would respond and the swelling in my throat and lungs, making it easier to breathe. This time it was not the case. I felt like I had ben tortured. My Auvi-Q had failed me. And then, a month later, I learned it was failing others also.
Today, when I found out that the Auvi-Q was returning, I did not react with my same initial excitement. In fact, I haven't been able to get excited at all. I have never felt so close to death as I did the night my Auvi-Qs failed me. Because of that, I don't think I can ever trust an Auvi-Q again. Don’t get me wrong, I want to support a medication company created by two food allergic brothers who are not trying to scam the world by selling a $10 product for $350 a pen. I want to be able to carry a smaller product that can talk me or someone helping me through an anaphylactic reaction. For now though, I think it will take at least 5 years before I can once again purchase an Auvi-Q. Hopefully, by then, food allergies will be cured! For now, my allergy case will have two Epipens inside.
What this issue raises though it what does it take for a company, or a family member or a health care professional to regain your trust after they have harmed you or made a mistake? How do we move on? What are your opinions on the Auvi-Q? Comment below! Let's get a conversation started!
