Announcements

  • Auvi Q

    Dear Healthcare Professional, We are writing to help ensure you are aware of important information related to the epinephrine autoinjector market. On October 28, 2015, Sanofi announced a voluntary nationwide recall of Auvi-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP) devices in the U.S. Auvi-Q® is indicated to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of these reactions. EpiPen® (epinephrine injection) Auto- Injector and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injector supply are not affected by the recall. Both products are currently available for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. The recall involves all Auvi-Q® currently on the market and includes both the 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg strengths for hospitals, retailers and consumers. Per the Sanofi recall notification, customers with questions regarding this recall can go to www.Auvi-Q.com and call [1-866-726-6340] Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET for information about how to return their Auvi-Q® devices. Customers may also email cs@sanofi.com. Sanofi US will provide reimbursement for out of pocket costs incurred for the purchase of new epinephrine auto injectors with proof of purchase. Patient safety is our primary concern. We are working to help ensure a seamless transition for at-risk patients in need of new epinephrine auto-injectors. EpiPen® Auto-Injector has been the number one prescribed epinephrine auto-injector in the U.S. for more than 25 years and has three-step, simple-to-follow instructions for use. We offer patient programs and resources, including our “$0 Co-Pay Offer” for eligible patients* and patient assistance program for qualified individuals. See full terms and conditions for the copay offer at EpiPenSavings.com. Given the life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis, we recommend that all patients receive training on proper administration for EpiPen® Auto-Injector in a physician’s office, and practice between doctor office visits to help ensure preparedness should a life-threatening allergic reaction occur. It’s critical that users understand how to quickly and properly administer the product in an emergency. Training and support have been a primary focus since the launch of EpiPen® Auto-Injector. EpiPen® Auto- Injector features include a flip-top carry case designed for single-handed opening and a never-see-needle design that offers needle protection before and after use. Each EpiPen 2-Pak® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® includes a needle-free, medication-free Trainer to practice administration technique. Additional training resources available for patients and caregivers include:  A “How To” video that is available on epipen.com, our YouTube® Channel and through the My EpiPlan® app.  The Anaphylaxis: Know It. See It. Treat It. Training Video for school staff which is available on DVD or for download at EpiPen4Schools.com.  Additional EpiPen® Trainers may be ordered on epipen.com. If you have questions regarding Auvi-Q® or the recall, please contact Sanofi directly at: 1-866-726-6340 or email cs@sanofi.com. Indications EpiPen® (epinephrine injection) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are indicated in the emergency treatment of type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to allergens, idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and in patients with a history or increased risk of anaphylactic reactions. Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to body weight. Important Safety Information EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injectors should only be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Do not inject intravenously, into buttock, or into digits, hands, or feet. Epinephrine should be used with caution in patients with certain heart diseases, and in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, because it may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris and produce ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported in patients with underlying cardiac disease or taking cardiac glycosides or diuretics. Patients with certain medical conditions or who take certain medications for allergies, depression, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and hypertension, may be at greater risk for adverse reactions. Other adverse reactions include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and/or respiratory difficulties. EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only and are not intended as a substitute for immediate medical or hospital care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision. Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information and Patient Information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. For additional information please contact us at 800-395-3376. Thank you for your attention to this important information, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Best, Frank Casty, MD FACP Head Global Medical Affairs *This CO-PAY card can reduce the amount of your out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $100 per two-pack of EpiPen® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injector carton, up to a maximum of 3 two-packs per prescription, until 12/31/15. Valid prescription with Prescriber ID# required. This CO-PAY card can be redeemed only by patients or patient guardians who are 18 years of age or older who are a resident of the United States. Not valid for cash paying patients (except for privately insured patients without coverage for EpiPen® Auto-Injector who make full cash payment) and patients who are covered by any state or federally funded healthcare program, including but not limited to any state pharmaceutical assistance program, Medicare (Part D or otherwise), Medicaid, Medigap, VA or DOD, or TriCare. Void outside the U.S. and its territories or where prohibited by law, taxed, or restricted. This card is not health insurance. Mylan Specialty reserves the right to amend or end this program at any time without notice. EpiPen®, EpiPen Jr® , EpiPen 2-Pak®, EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® and My EpiPlan® are registered trademarks owned by the Mylan companies. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2015 Mylan Specialty L.P. All rights reserved. EPI-2015-0904