Yahoo News The First-Ever Needle-Free EpiPen Just Got Approved—And Allergists Say It’s Coming Sooner Than You Think
For years, people with severe allergies have been prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector in case of emergency situations. But these injectors—which include the popular EpiPen—involve jabbing a needle into your thigh, which isn’t exactly a fun experience.
Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new option for patients with severe allergies—and it doesn’t involve needles. It’s called Neffy, and it’s already getting plenty of buzz.
But what is Neffy and how can you get it? Here’s the deal—and what allergists think about it.
Meet the Experts: Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. Thomas B. Casale, MD, chief of clinical and translational research at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine's Division of Allergy and Immunology in Tampa, Florida.
What is a needle-free EpiPen alternative?
Neffy is a nasal spray that’s designed to be used in place of an EpiPen to treat people who are experiencing a severe allergic reaction. (Worth noting: Neffy and EpiPen are made by different companies.)
It's designed to be used in emergencies when someone who is at least 66 pounds has an allergic reaction—including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis, per the FDA.
Neffy is simple to use: You just deliver a single dose into one nostril, although a second dose may be needed if someone doesn’t get better or their symptoms get worse. Research has found that people with a severe allergic reaction had a similar response after taking Neffy to when they used an EpiPen.
Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, calls Neffy’s approval “amazing news.”
“The allergy community has long been awaiting this, as many are needle-phobic and do not use epinephrine in life-or-death situations,” she says.
This is especially helpful for people who don't want to inject others, says Thomas B. Casale, MD, chief of clinical and translational research at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine's Division of Allergy and Immunology in Tampa, Florida.
"There is fear of not dosing appropriately or hurting the individual," he says. "It is anxiety-provoking enough to have or to witness an anaphylactic event, so anything that can decrease that anxiety by providing an easy-to-use and potentially life-saving treatment is a huge benefit."
How much will Neffy cost?
When you have health insurance, Neffy will cost $25 for two single-use devices, says ARS Pharma, the company that makes Neffy. For people without health insurance, Neffy will cost $199 for two doses.
When will Neffy be available?
Neffy is expected to be available in eight weeks, per ARS Pharma, which would put its release sometime in the fall.
Parikh is excited to see what the device will do for patients with severe allergies. “This is an added tool in our arsenal,” she says.
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