How does neffy work?
Neffy works in the same way as epinephrine injections, activating both alpha and beta receptors to narrow blood vessels. This helps to maintain blood pressure and heart function, and relaxes smooth muscles in the airways of the lungs to make breathing easier. neffy may also relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestine to relieve digestive symptoms often associated with anaphylaxis, such as nausea.
When used to treat life-threatening allergies, neffy:
- relaxes the airway muscles to help with breathing
- constricts blood vessels to maintain blood pressure
- reduces swelling, hives or itching that may occur around the face, eyes, or lips
- stimulates the heart (increases heart rate)
- prevents the release of histamine, which can further worsen allergies.
What is neffy?
neffy is a nasal spray that is used to treat severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children 4 years of age and older who weigh 33 pounds (15 kg) or more. It is needle-free and simple to administer. neffy gained FDA approval on August 9, 2024.
It is available in 2 strengths:
- 1 mg/0.1 mL of epinephrine per spray for children 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg)
- 2 mg/0.1 mL of epinephrine per spray for patients 66 lbs (30 kg) or greater.
Related questions
- Can you use an expired EpiPen in an emergency?
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neffy vs EpiPen
neffy is a needle-free nasal spray that is sprayed into the nose whereas EpiPen is an injection that is given into a big muscle, such as the thigh.
- neffy contains either 1 mg or 2 mg of epinephrine per dose.
- An EpiPen autoinjector contains 0.3mg per dose and an EpiPen Junior auto-Injector, delivers 0.15 mg per dose.
- neffy delivers a higher dose than EpiPen because it is being given via the nose rather than by injection, so a higher dose is needed for the same effectiveness because an injection delivers medicine to the bloodstream more effectively.
Research has also showed that people are more likely to use a nasal spray 18 minutes earlier than injectable epinephrine.
References
- FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections. August 11, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/news/fda-approves-first-nasal-curb-anaphylaxis-alternative-injections-120725.html
- Abbas M, Moussa M, Akel H. Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560561/
- FDA Panel Recommends Approval of First Nasal Spray to Combat Severe Allergic Reactions. May 12, 2023. https://www.drugs.com/news/fda-panel-recommends-approval-first-nasal-combat-severe-allergic-reactions-112553.html
- ARS Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Acceptance of NDA for neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray) for the Treatment of Allergic Reactions (type I) Including Anaphylaxis. Oct 21, 2022. https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/ars-pharmaceuticals-announces-fda-acceptance-of-nda-for-neffy-epinephrine-nasal-spray-for-the-treatment-of-allergic-reactions-type-i-including-anaphylaxis/
- neffy Prescribing Information. https://www.ars-pharma.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Prescribing_Information.pdf
- neffy Package Insert. https://www.ars-pharma.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Patient_Information_Leaflet.pdf
Read next
Can you bring an EpiPen on a plane?
You can bring your EpiPen onto a plane – they are a common medical device and they should not cause any fuss when you are going through airport security. You can carry them in your handbag, laptop bag, or other carry-on luggage. It is a very good idea to take your EpiPen with you on the plane because the small confines of an aircraft increase your odds of being exposed to a trigger allergen while you are flying and having an anaphylactic reaction. Continue reading
Does epinephrine cause vasoconstriction?
Yes, epinephrine causes vasoconstriction (tightening of the blood vessels). This results in increased blood pressure. Continue reading
How much does Auvi-Q cost compared to EpiPen?
The cash price for a 2-pack of Auvi-Q autoinjector is around $300 compared to $650 for an EpiPen 2-pack. Prices can vary depending upon the pharmacy you visit and if you have any coupons or manufacturer discounts. Auvi-Q and EpiPen are brand names for epinephrine autoinjectors. Continue reading
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