Auvi-Q versus EpiPen: preferences of adults, caregivers, and children.

Background: Auvi-Q is a novel epinephrine autoinjector (EAI) that provides audio and visual cues for patients at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions.

Objective: We tested the preference for Auvi-Q or EpiPen with regard to method of instruction, preference to carry, device size, and device shape.

Methods: This large, multicenter, simulated-use study evaluated whether adults (aged 18-65 years), caregivers (parents/guardians aged 18-65 years of children aged 5-17 years), and children (aged 11-17 years), with and without experience in using an EAI, had a preference for the current design of Auvi-Q or the current design of EpiPen. Participants were given a scenario that involved anaphylaxis and were instructed to simulate use of an EAI. They received and tested each device individually according to the randomization assignment. After testing both devices, they completed a survey to indicate their preference for Auvi-Q versus EpiPen.

Results: Among all 693 participants combined, Auvi-Q was preferred over EpiPen on all study end points (P < .001). For experienced and inexperienced participants in all 3 groups (adults, caregivers, and children), Auvi-Q was preferred over EpiPen for method of instruction, preference to carry, and device size (all P < .001). The preference for Auvi-Q device shape was not significant among experienced children (P = .10); however, it was significant for inexperienced children (P = .04) and highly significant for experienced and inexperienced adults and caregivers (P < .001).

Conclusion: In this large multicenter, simulated-use study, Auvi-Q was preferred over EpiPen by experienced and inexperienced adults, caregivers, and children.