A Breath of Fresh Air for Allergy Sufferers: Nasal Spray Offers Life-Saving Alternative to Epi-Pen

For those living with severe allergies, carrying an Epi-pen has become a constant companion. Sidney Nolan, a Nashville teacher, knows this all too well. Allergic to mango, peaches, and cantaloupe, Nolan has relied on her Epi-pen since childhood, always aware of the potential danger lurking in everyday encounters.

“Germs,” Nolan said. “Their germs, them touching me with their germs, somebody getting hurt, they’re emotional.”

Entrepreneur Nolan works with young children, and navigating a classroom with her allergies presents unique challenges. “You know, you see germs everywhere when you’re working with kids. They’re touching me with their germs. Then there are the playgrounds, all those sniffles and coughs.”

She has carried an auto-injector Epi-pen around with her since she was 7 years old. The one time she had to use it, it gave her a rash. While effective, the Epi-pen’s needle can be daunting – both for the user and those around them.

But a new breakthrough offers a ray of hope – Neffy. This revolutionary nasal spray delivers the same life-saving medication as an Epi-pen but without the needle. Since its FDA approval, Neffy has rapidly gained popularity, especially among those who have always struggled with the anxiety surrounding injections.

“It’s smaller, cheaper, and longer lasting,” said Dr. Wesley Cain, a Mt. Juliet allergist. For many, the lack of a needle is the biggest selling point. “People are often afraid of using an Epi-pen, even when it could save their lives. ”

Cain pointed to shocking statistics highlighting the underutilization of Epi-pens: according to 2023 pharmacy claims data, only half of the Epi-pen prescriptions were actually filled. More concerning, only half of those who filled the prescription carried them. Many people simply couldn’t face the fear of self-injection.

“You know, we hear stories all the time where people show up to the ER with their Epi-pen in hand, wanting the ER staff to inject it rather than doing it themselves,” Cain said.

This delay can be deadly. Cain expressed the hope that Neffy will save countless lives, offering a more approachable and accessible solution. “Everybody seems to be super excited about it,” he added, reflecting the optimism sweeping through the medical community.

A Welcome Change for Teachers and Families

Nolan eagerly embraces this alternative. While excited for herself, she looks ahead to the chance of Neffy being available for children.

“That will relieve a lot of stress,” Nolan said. “I’d rather just give them some nose spray and that’d be all.”

The drugmaker announced its plans to make Neffy available for children next. This news is met with enthusiasm from educators and families, who long for a less intimidating option for their young children who navigate the world with life-threatening allergies.

How Neffy Works and Where to Find It

Neffy works in the same way as an Epi-pen by delivering epinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and opens airways. It’s designed for individuals weighing 60 pounds or max. Users simply insert the nasal spray device into one nostril, aim towards the back of the nose, and administer the dose. The effects are typically felt within minutes.

Neffy isn’t currently covered by all insurance plans, but co-pay assistance cards are available on the manufacturer’s website.

Anyone interested in Neffy should contact their allergist or pediatrician. Pharmacies not currently carrying it are able to order.

How ​does Neffy work to counter act severe allergic reactions?

## A Breathe of Fresh Air for Allergy Sufferers:‍ An‍ Interview with Dr. Wesley Cain

**Host:** Thank ⁢you for joining us ⁣today Dr. Cain. The fear of anaphylaxis is‌ a⁤ constant reality for millions of people, and often⁣ the ⁣Epi-pen, while life-saving, can be a source of anxiety. Tell us‍ about a new development that’s offering hope.

**Dr. ⁤Cain:** ⁢Absolutely. There’s ⁤a lot of excitement surrounding⁣ Neffy, a revolutionary nasal spray that delivers the same life-saving medication⁣ as an Epi-pen, but without the needle. [[1](https://www.drugs.com/neffy.html)].

**Host:** How does this Nasal spray work compared to a traditional Epi-pen?

**Dr. Cain:** The science behind‍ Neffy is fascinating. It contains one dose of epinephrine, just like an Epi-pen. It activates both alpha ‍and⁢ beta receptors, which are essential in counteracting severe ⁤allergic reactions. What’s different⁢ is the delivery⁢ method. Neffy is administered through the nose, eliminating the need for‌ a daunting injection.

**Host:** What are the‌ advantages​ for patients?

**Dr. Cain:** The ​benefits are significant. Neffy is smaller and more‌ discreet‍ than​ an ⁣Epi-pen, making it easier to carry.

It’s also‌ generally more affordable and ⁢has a⁣ longer‌ shelf-life. But the biggest⁢ advantage, especially ‍for those ⁣with needle phobia, is the lack of injection. Many people, even ‍when they know they​ should ⁤carry ​an Epi-pen,⁢ simply can’t face the fear of using ‍it. Neffy eliminates that barrier.

**Host:** It sounds like Neffy‍ could be a true game-changer. ​What are you seeing in your practice?

**Dr. Cain:** I’ve​ seen firsthand the positive impact Neffy is having.

Patients who were hesitant to carry⁢ an Epi-pen due to anxiety are now empowered to manage their allergies​ with confidence. The underutilization⁤ of Epi-pens is ‍a major concern, and Neffy could be the key to getting this life-saving medication into the hands of ⁣those⁤ who need it most [[1](https://www.drugs.com/neffy.html)].

**Host:** Dr.‌ Cain, thank you for sharing your insights. This is truly exciting news for allergy ⁢sufferers.