A new option for treating anaphylaxis is now available: Neffy, a needle-free nasal spray, has been approved by the FDA as an alternative to the EpiPen. This marks the first such alternative in over a century, offering a potentially easier and more accessible option for individuals at risk of severe allergic reactions.
Benefits of Neffy
Dr. Wesley Cain, an allergist in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, highlights several advantages of Neffy. The nasal spray is designed for individuals weighing 60 pounds or more and contains the same active drug as the EpiPen. However, Neffy is smaller, potentially more affordable, and has a longer shelf life. Most significantly, it eliminates the need for an injection.
Addressing Hesitancy with Injectors
Data indicates that only half of the prescriptions written for epinephrine auto-injectors are actually filled. Furthermore, many individuals who do obtain the devices do not carry them consistently or are hesitant to self-administer the injection in an emergency. "We hear stories all the time where people show up to the E.R. with their Epi-pen in hand wanting the E.R. to inject it rather than them doing it themselves," said Cain. This delay can have fatal consequences, and Neffy aims to address this critical issue.
Future Applications
The manufacturer of Neffy is currently working towards approval for its use in smaller children. This development is anticipated to significantly reduce anxiety for parents and caregivers who manage allergies in young children. Sidney Nolan, a teacher with allergies, expressed her enthusiasm for the potential of Neffy to simplify treatment for children, stating, "I’d rather just give them some nose spray and that’d be all."
Neffy is now available, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact their allergist or pediatrician for more information. Pharmacies can order the product if it is not currently in stock. Co-pay assistance cards are available on Neffy’s website.
