A New Era in Anaphylaxis Treatment: Understanding Neffy
Anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine administration. While auto-injectors like EpiPen have been the standard, needle fear, cost, and portability issues presented challenges. The FDA approved Neffy, an epinephrine nasal spray, as a needle-free option.
Neffy is a pocket-sized, single-use nasal spray for adults and children. It delivers epinephrine through the nasal mucosa to enter the bloodstream. Like injectable epinephrine, it affects alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors to counter anaphylaxis symptoms.
How Much Does Neffy Cost Without Insurance?
For uninsured patients, the cash price for Neffy is $199 for a package of two single-use nasal spray devices. This price is available through partnerships with pharmacy discount services like GoodRx and online pharmacies such as BlinkRx. This makes Neffy a more affordable option than brand-name auto-injectors, which can exceed $650–$750.
Comparing Neffy to Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
Neffy offers a crucial alternative. Its benefits include the administration method, cost, and portability.
Key Differences: Neffy vs. Injectables
- Administration: Neffy's nasal spray eliminates needle fear.
- Cost: At $199 for a two-pack cash price, Neffy is significantly less expensive than brand-name EpiPens, which can be over $600. It is competitive with generic auto-injectors.
- Shelf Life & Stability: Neffy has a 30-month shelf life and tolerates temperature changes, exceeding the typical 12-18 months and strict temperature requirements of most auto-injectors.
- Portability: The device is small and easy to carry.
Cost and Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) | EpiPen (brand name auto-injector) | Generic Epinephrine Auto-Injectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Needle-free nasal spray | Intramuscular injection | Intramuscular injection |
| Cash Price (2-Pack) | $199 | ~$650 - $750+ | ~$150 - $400 |
| Shelf Life | 30 months | 12-18 months | 12-18 months |
| Approved For (Weight) | ≥ 15 kg (33 lbs) | ≥ 15 kg (33 lbs) for Jr. dose | Varies by brand, similar to EpiPen |
| Needle-Related Risks | None | Risk of injury, hesitation | Risk of injury, hesitation |
How to Save on Neffy
ARS Pharmaceuticals provides programs to improve affordability and access.
Patient Support and Financial Assistance
- Co-Pay Savings Program: Patients with commercial insurance may use a co-pay card to lower out-of-pocket costs. This coupon can often be applied automatically or downloaded.
- Patient Assistance Program (PAP): The ARS Patient Assistance Program may offer Neffy at no cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients who meet specific criteria.
- Discount Cards: The $199 cash price is available through services like GoodRx.
- Insurance Navigation: The
neffyconnectprogram helps patients navigate insurance and prior authorization requirements.
Visit the official Neffy website for savings and support information.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Allergy Management
Neffy's introduction is a significant step in emergency allergy treatment. Its needle-free design, $199 cash price, and longer shelf life address issues with auto-injectors. By offering a less daunting and more affordable option, Neffy could increase medication carriage and willingness to use it during an emergency. Patient assistance and co-pay programs help ensure access.
