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WMN Editors

AUVI-Q

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ISSN-1059-6518 Volume 26 Number 3

A NEW PRODUCT FOR TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS

AUVI-Q

 By Frank Hubbell, D.O.

 

INDICATIONS:

Auvi-Q is an autoinjector that contains epinephrine (adrenalin) for the use in severe Type 1 allergic reactions – anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine is a non-selective alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist. The results of an IM or SC injection are bronchodilation, vasoconstriction, and an increase in heart rate.

 An acute, severe Type 1 allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, is caused by too great a release of histamines, via degranulation from the MAST cells, resulting in bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and an itchy, urticarial rash. Thus, epinephrine is the perfect drug to counteract the effects of the histamines.

Remember, that you are taking advantage of the side effects of epinephrine in counteracting the potentially life-threatening effects of the histamines. But, the effects of epinephrine only last 20 – 30 minutes and then the acute allergic reaction can return.

The cure for the over-abundance of histamines is to give an antihistamine. So, remember that regardless of how the epinephrine is administered, it has to be followed with an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg by mouth every 4 hours for 24 hours (Benadryl 50mg po q4h x 24h).

 What makes Auvi-Q unique is that it speaks to the individual administering the autoinjector. Designed to fit in a pant’s pocket so when needed it is readily accessible. The cap is removed, and the autoinjector will then talk you through the process of giving the shot.

 You can go on their website, auvi-q.com, and watch a demonstration of its use.

 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS:

 Adult: greater than or equal to 30kg (66lbs)

0.3mg: 0.3mg/0.3ml of 1/1000 epinephrine.

 Pediatric: 15 – 30kg (33 – 66lbs)

0.15mg: 0.15mg.0.15ml of 1/1000 epinephrine.

Contraindications:

 NONE

 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

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WMN Editors

Indo-Pacific Lionfish

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March/April 2012  ISSN-1059-6518  Volume 25 Number 2

The INVASIVE Indo-Pacific Lionfish

 By Frank Hubbell, DO

Illustration by T.B.R. Walsh

 

While recently in the Caribbean, we became acutely aware of a major problem for the spectacular underwater world of the Caribbean Sea – the invasive Lionfish.

 

The problem is that Lionfish do not belong in the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea. They are an Indo-Pacific predatory fish, and that is exactly where they belong – in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

 

In the 1990’s, they were unintentionally introduced into the Atlantic, probably in the bilge water of ships returning to the Atlantic side of the world from the Indo-Pacific side. Today they have spread, as an invasive species, along the East Coast of the USA.  In addition, they can be found in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and the wider Caribbean Sea.

 

A highly invasive species, they do not have any natural predators in these waters. In fact, in these marine environs, their only predator is we humans.

 

LIONFISH

 

Pterois volitans and Pterois miles are the two species, out of nine, of Lionfish that have invaded the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. They have multiple spines in their fins containing toxic barbs.

 

The toxin in these barbs is a complex protein mixture of neuromuscular toxins and a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. It is the acetylcholine that causes the untoward effects on the heart.

 

Hazard to Humans

 

Because they are not an aggressive fish, they will not attack you. However, they still present a hazard to humans who handle a caught fish or step on a fish and are impaled by the toxic spines in the fins.

 

Injuries are not uncommon in the Indo-Pacific Oceans, with about 30,000 – 40,000 injuries beings reported annually. But, the envenomation is rarely lethal.

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