How to Help Your Patients Find Auvi-Q in Stock: A Provider's Guide

Your Patients Need Epinephrine — Here's How to Help Them Get Auvi-Q

You've prescribed Auvi-Q for a patient with anaphylaxis risk. A week later, they call your office: "My pharmacy says they don't carry it. What do I do?"

This scenario plays out daily in allergy practices, pediatric offices, and primary care clinics across the country. Auvi-Q is not in shortage, but its unique distribution model means patients (and sometimes staff) don't know how to access it.

This guide provides a practical, step-by-step approach to helping your patients find and obtain Auvi-Q efficiently.

Understanding Current Auvi-Q Availability

As of 2026, Auvi-Q has consistent supply from its manufacturer, Kaléo. Unlike EpiPen and its generics — which have faced recurring shortages since 2018 — Auvi-Q uses an independent manufacturing process and a specialty distribution network.

However, Auvi-Q is not stocked at most retail pharmacies. It is available through two primary channels:

• ASPN Pharmacies — specialty pharmacy offering direct-to-patient home delivery
• Walgreens — in-store pickup at participating locations

This means a standard prescription sent to CVS, Rite Aid, or an independent pharmacy will likely not be filled as Auvi-Q. Understanding this distribution model is the first step to helping your patients.

Why Patients Can't Find Auvi-Q

When patients report difficulty obtaining Auvi-Q, the root cause is usually one of these issues:

1. Prescription Routed to the Wrong Pharmacy

If the prescription is sent to a pharmacy that doesn't stock Auvi-Q, the patient will be told it's "unavailable" or "out of stock" — which can be mistaken for a shortage. Auvi-Q prescriptions should be directed to ASPN Pharmacies or Walgreens.

2. Generic Substitution by Pharmacy

Prescriptions written generically for "epinephrine auto-injector" will be filled with EpiPen or its authorized generic by default. Auvi-Q requires a brand-name prescription, ideally marked as "Dispense As Written" (DAW).

3. Insurance Coverage Barriers

Some insurance plans place Auvi-Q on a non-preferred tier, require prior authorization, or mandate step therapy. Patients may assume the medication is unavailable when the real issue is insurance approval.

4. Patient Confusion About the Process

Patients accustomed to picking up medications at their local pharmacy may not realize that Auvi-Q uses a home delivery model. Clear communication about the process — ideally at the point of prescribing — prevents confusion.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Steps

Step 1: Prescribe Auvi-Q by Brand Name

Write the prescription specifically for Auvi-Q (not generic epinephrine auto-injector). Mark it as DAW if your system requires it. This ensures the pharmacy dispenses the correct product.

Step 2: Route the Prescription to ASPN Pharmacies

The most reliable fulfillment pathway is through ASPN Pharmacies. You can send prescriptions via:

• EMR/e-prescribe: Search for ASPN Pharmacies in your system
• Phone: Call 1-877-30-AUVIQ (1-877-302-8847)
• Fax: Use the ASPN Pharmacies fax number provided on the Auvi-Q prescribing portal

Consider registering for the ASPN Prescriber Portal, which allows you to track prescription status, complete refills, and manage patient records electronically.

Step 3: Help Patients Navigate Insurance

If prior authorization is required, document the clinical rationale for Auvi-Q specifically. Helpful justifications include:

• Patient preference for voice-guided auto-injector (usability/safety)
• Need for compact form factor (portability for children, teens, active patients)
• Requirement for 0.1 mg dose (infants/toddlers 16.5–33 lbs) — not available in any other auto-injector
• EpiPen shortage affecting patient's ability to obtain alternative products

Step 4: Enroll Patients in Financial Assistance

Cost is often the final barrier. Proactively connect patients with Kaléo's programs:

• Copay Support Program: Commercially insured patients may pay as low as $0 (max $150 out-of-pocket)
• Patient Assistance Program (PAP): Free Auvi-Q for uninsured patients with financial hardship
• Enrollment: auvi-q.com/get-auvi-q or call 1-877-30-AUVIQ

Having enrollment information readily available in your office — ideally integrated into your prescribing workflow — reduces patient drop-off between prescription and fill.

Step 5: Direct Patients to Availability Tools

Empower patients to check availability themselves. Recommend:

• Medfinder for Providers — real-time pharmacy stock data for your staff
• Medfinder — patient-facing tool to find Auvi-Q in stock near them
• Walgreens — for patients who prefer in-store pickup

Considering Alternatives

When Auvi-Q is not appropriate for a specific patient (insurance restrictions, patient preference, etc.), alternatives include:

• EpiPen / EpiPen Jr: Most widely recognized; $650–$700 retail for a 2-pack; subject to intermittent shortages
• Generic Epinephrine Auto-Injector: Same device as EpiPen; $300–$400 with coupons; subject to same shortages
• Generic Adrenaclick: Different injection technique (two caps); $150–$300; generally available
• Symjepi: Prefilled syringe (not auto-injector); requires manual injection; suitable for patients comfortable with syringes

When switching devices, ensure the patient receives training on the new device's injection technique. Each product has distinct steps, and familiarity reduces errors during emergencies. For patient-facing information on alternatives, share our article on alternatives to Auvi-Q.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Build Auvi-Q Into Your EMR Favorites

Add Auvi-Q to your frequently prescribed medications list and set ASPN Pharmacies as a default pharmacy option. This reduces friction during prescribing.

Train Front Office Staff

Ensure your staff knows that Auvi-Q uses a different distribution channel than most medications. When patients call asking about their Auvi-Q prescription, staff should be able to explain the ASPN Pharmacies process and provide the helpline number (1-877-30-AUVIQ).

Stock Trainer Devices

Auvi-Q trainer devices (no needle, no medication) are available at no cost. Keep them in your office for patient and caregiver education. Hands-on training with the actual device design improves confidence and correct use during emergencies.

Set Expiration Reminders

Epinephrine auto-injectors typically expire within 12–18 months. Consider implementing a reminder system to prompt refills before expiration — especially important for pediatric patients heading into allergy season or back-to-school periods.

Use Medfinder for Your Practice

Medfinder for Providers gives your team real-time visibility into which pharmacies have Auvi-Q (and other epinephrine products) in stock, helping you guide patients to the right location.

Final Thoughts

Auvi-Q's unique distribution model requires a small adjustment to prescribing workflows, but the payoff is access to a reliable, in-stock epinephrine auto-injector with features that improve patient usability. By routing prescriptions through ASPN Pharmacies, helping with insurance navigation, and connecting patients to financial assistance, you can ensure your anaphylaxis-risk patients maintain uninterrupted access to this life-saving medication.

For more information on the current shortage landscape, read our provider shortage briefing. For patient education resources, share our guides on finding Auvi-Q in stock and saving money on Auvi-Q.