​AUVI-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP) launched a new interactive resource hub with digital tools to help families with life threatening allergies stay prepared this school year. New resources are released regularly and include:

• Back to school checklists
• Interactive quizzes
• Customizable allergen profile cards

​In addition to access to the interactive resource hub, those who sign up at www.auvi-q.com/signup receive a free downloadable life-threatening allergy tool kit

​Alternatively, patients who prefer to pick up their AUVI-Q at any Walgreens location nationwide can show this postcard with information on the AUVI-Q Savings Offer that may be helpful for the pharmacy staff member processing the AUVI-Q prescription. 

Indication
AUVI-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP) is a prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions.
Important Safety Information

AUVI-Q is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Seek immediate medical treatment after using AUVI-Q. Each AUVI-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine. AUVI-Q should ONLY be injected into your outer thigh, through clothing if necessary. If you inject a young child or infant with AUVI-Q, hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injuries. Do not inject AUVI-Q into any other part of your body, such as into veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands, or feet. If this occurs, seek immediate medical treatment and make sure to inform the healthcare provider of the location of the accidental injection. Only a healthcare provider should give additional doses of epinephrine if more than two doses are necessary for a single allergic emergency.
Rarely, patients who use AUVI-Q may develop infections at the injection site within a few days of an injection. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms at an injection site: redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or the area feels warm to the touch.
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If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have more or longer lasting side effects when you use AUVI-Q. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. Also tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have asthma, a history of depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart problems or high blood pressure, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.
 
Common side effects include fast, irregular or ‘pounding’ heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, headache, paleness, feelings of over excitement, nervousness, or anxiety, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or breathing problems. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Please see the full Prescribing Information and the Patient Information at www.auvi-q.com.
 
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.

When I first really started traveling with a gluten allergy, I felt lost and overwhelmed with the idea that I had to research each leg of my trip or risk being sick for days post-cross-contamination. Such a night and day difference from when I had traveled before being gluten-free. However, as I traveled, I challenged myself with new countries, new locations, and worked to educate myself to have amazing trips and those lifelong memories!

​Now many years later I live with a gluten allergy, dairy intolerance, and a few other intolerances. No matter how your allergies affect you, it affects how you travel and that can bring unwanted stress to what should be a fun and relaxing getaway. I have been and have helped clients travel domestic, international, cruises, tours, etc. ​Every family that I have worked with all want the same thing: to have a genuine family vacation. For their kids to be kids, and for the family to make memories together.

​I will apply real-life experience with food allergies to plan and execute your family trip. Whether you are wanting a full kitchen to prepare meals or are looking for a getaway with accommodating restaurants in the area, I plan the trip that makes you feel the most comfortable and customized to your allergies and/or dietary restrictions. 

What I can do as a specialized food allergy travel agent for you:

• Booking any aspect of your trip from flights, hotel, rental car, travel insurance, etc.
• Make sure each aspect of the trip is aware of the allergies going down to something as small as having the mini-fridge in the room emptied for your safe food to even talking with some chefs on property. 
• Going over traveling tips and tricks to work towards a smooth vacation.  
• Keep you up to date on the COVID policies and travel restrictions per the conditions at that time.
• Make all the phone calls on your behalf for food allergies, whether that is for resorts, restaurants, tour companies, etc.  
• Go over each policy with you of how food allergies are handled, including areas that may not be a risk in your normal daily routines such as renting a snorkel mask on a day tour or other shared equipment.
• Making the experience so you can reach out with any questions before, during, or after your trip. Clients often text me photos or share updates as they move through their trip and I in turn check-in and answer any questions or concerns as the trip plays out.

​Food Allergies shouldn’t hold you back from making memories as a family. It often comes as a shock to people, but more international places are accommodating than sometimes the restaurants in your backyard. It is all about the food laws in various places and how they respond to food allergies from their own citizens. As someone with a gluten allergy, I thrive in Italy due to the awareness around gluten and their food laws – had the best pizza I’ve ever tasted there and never went hungry.

​I’d love to work with you and your family on your next vacation! 
Lauren Scheffer, Food Allergy Travel Agent
Phone: 217-722-6071
Email: [email protected]
​https://www.dunelakestravel.com/lauren-scheffer