Breakthrough Allergy Relief: A Needle-Free Option Arrives in Tennessee
Nashville, TN – For decades, managing severe allergic reactions has relied on the familiar Epi-pen, a life-saving device that injects epinephrine directly into the muscle. But a new era of allergy relief has arrived in Tennessee, offering a needle-free alternative.
The innovative medication, Neffy, comes in the form of a nasal spray and was recently approved by the FDA, marking the first time in over a century that a true alternative to the Epi-pen has hit the market. This breakthrough promises to address the challenges faced by millions who rely on epinephrine for potentially fatal allergic reactions.
Sidney Nolan, a Nashville teacher, knows these challenges firsthand. "Germs," Nolan said. "Their germs, them touching me with their germs, somebody getting hurt, they’re emotional.”
Living with allergies to mango, peaches, and cantaloupe in a bustling classroom presents a constant risk for Nolan. While she’s carried an Epi-pen since she was 7 years old, the fear of needles and the potential for a painful sideeffect – Nolan once developed a rash after using her Epi-pen – have always lingered.
But Neffy offers a solution tailor-made for those like Nolan who dread injections. Dr. Wesley Cain, an allergist in Mt. Juliet, is enthusiastic about the potential of this new development.
"It is the same drug, but smaller, cheaper and longer lasting," Cain explained, highlighting the numerous advantages of Neffy. "Maybe one of the most important differences is the lack of needles.”
A Game Changer for Allergy Sufferers:
For years, the Epi-pen has been the only option available for those at risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. However, Cain reveals that only half of Epi-pen prescriptions are actually filled, and of those who do fill them, only half carry them consistently. The fear of needles, coupled with the stress of using the device in an emergency situation, often contributes to this reluctance.
"You know, 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,” Cain shared.
This delay can prove fatal in an emergency, emphasizing the urgency for a more accessible and user-friendly solution. Cain wholeheartedly believes Neffy has the potential to save lives. “Everybody seems to be super excited about it,” he said.
While Neffy is currently recommended for individuals weighing 60 pounds or more, Nolan eagerly anticipates the day when it becomes 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 is actively working towards expanding Neffy’s accessibility to younger patients, offering hope for a stress-free future for parents and children dealing with allergies.
Anyone interested in learning more about Neffy should consult their allergist or pediatrician. Pharmacies can order the medication if it’s not currently stocked. Co-pay assistance cards are available on Neffy’s website.
