There’s good news on the horizon for patients who suffer from life-threatening allergies. The FDA has approved the first-ever nasal spray equivalent of an Epi-pen. This intra-nasal epinephrine, called “Neffy“, has several advantages over traditional interventions for allergen exposure. It’s small, easy to use, and perhaps most importantly, is not a needle-based delivery mechanism. Interestingly, it also has a shelf life of 30 months, whereas injectors need to be refilled every 12-18 months.
There are three options on the market currently, all with both “junior” (under 30 kg/66 lbs.) and regular doses.
While Neffy seems like a no-brainer option, it has some drawbacks. The injectable epinephrine brands all come with trainer pens to help patients familiarize themselves with using the device. Neffy’s intranasal modality should be easy but proper use can’t be ideal for a patient with severe nasal polyps (thankfully, not a common pediatric consideration). All three options for epinephrine delivery have available carrying cases that can attach to a belt look or backpack to ensure they are quickly within reach when needed.
Due to needle phobia, many patients can suffer escalating symptoms of anaphylaxis before receiving the life-saving medication they need. Now there is a less invasive option on the market.
Written by Dr. Carly Wilbur, UH Pediatrician and PSI Medical Director.
Click here to learn more about Neffy.
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