What is a Needle Free Alternative to an EpiPen? Introducing Neffy Nasal Spray

October 8, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, 43% of patients surveyed disliked the idea of injecting a needle for epinephrine, contributing to delays in life-saving treatment. The recent FDA approval of the nasal spray, Neffy, directly answers the critical question: What is a needle free alternative to an EpiPen?.

Quick Summary

Neffy is the first FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis, providing a simple, needle-free option for adults and children over 66 pounds to manage severe allergic reactions without injection.

Key Points

Neffy is the Needle-Free Alternative: Neffy is the FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray used to treat anaphylaxis in adults and children over 66 pounds.
How Neffy Works: The single-dose spray uses special technology to deliver epinephrine through the nasal mucosa, providing a rapid and systemic effect.
Reduces Anxiety: The absence of a needle is a major benefit, alleviating fear for patients and caregivers and potentially leading to faster administration.
Ease of Use: Neffy's user-friendly design requires no complex training, minimizing the risk of administration errors in stressful situations.
Comparable Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown Neffy to deliver comparable levels of epinephrine to auto-injectors in healthy adults.
Important Considerations: Patients with certain nasal conditions should consult a doctor, and everyone must still seek emergency medical attention after using epinephrine.
Other Options Under Development: Researchers are developing other alternatives, such as an epinephrine sublingual film (Anaphylm) and powder.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. While epinephrine auto-injectors like the EpiPen have been the standard treatment for years, fear of needles or difficulty with administration can cause delays. Neffy, an epinephrine nasal spray, offers a needle-free option for emergency allergy care.

The Innovation Behind Neffy

Neffy was approved by the FDA in August 2024 as the first needle-free anaphylaxis treatment. Developed by ARS Pharmaceuticals, it delivers epinephrine through the nasal lining, achieving rapid absorption similar to auto-injectors. Intravail technology aids this process, enhancing nasal absorption.

How to Use Neffy

Neffy is administered in two steps. For self-administration, the device is held with the thumb on the plunger and fingers on the sides of the nozzle. The nozzle is inserted into one nostril, and the plunger is pressed until it clicks. Avoid sniffing deeply during or after use. Call 911 immediately after use and note the time. A second dose in the same nostril can be given after 5 minutes if symptoms persist. More detailed instructions can be found on {Link: Drug Topics https://www.drugtopics.com/view/fda-approves-first-needle-free-epinephrine-nasal-spray}.

Why a Needle-Free Option Matters

Needle-free options like Neffy offer several benefits over injectables, including reducing anxiety related to needles, simplifying administration, potentially increasing compliance due to portability, and increasing availability through programs like NeffyinSchools.

Clinical Evidence and Considerations

Clinical trials in healthy adults showed Neffy produced similar blood epinephrine levels and increases in blood pressure and heart rate as auto-injectors. However, real-world data from anaphylaxis episodes is still needed as studies on individuals experiencing anaphylaxis are not ethically possible. Patients with nasal issues or sulfite allergy should consult an allergist. Emergency medical care is required after any anaphylactic episode.

Other Emerging Needle-Free Options

Researchers are exploring other needle-free options, such as an epinephrine film that dissolves under the tongue (Anaphylm) and intranasal epinephrine in powder form. A comparison of different treatments is available on {Link: Drug Topics https://www.drugtopics.com/view/fda-approves-first-needle-free-epinephrine-nasal-spray}.

Conclusion

Neffy provides a significant needle-free alternative for anaphylaxis treatment. This nasal spray is user-friendly and may lead to quicker administration by reducing anxiety. While auto-injectors remain important, Neffy expands treatment options for patients and caregivers. Always consult an allergist for the best treatment plan and seek emergency medical attention after using any epinephrine product. This advancement improves accessibility in emergency allergy care.

Additional Resources

For further information on Neffy and anaphylaxis, consult resources from organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the Allergy & Asthma Network, or visit the official Neffy website. ARS Pharmaceuticals - Neffy

Frequently Asked Questions

Neffy is an epinephrine nasal spray and the first FDA-approved needle-free alternative to the EpiPen. It delivers epinephrine into the bloodstream through the nasal mucosa to treat severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis.

Neffy is approved for adults and children who weigh 66 pounds or more. A lower dose for children weighing 33 to 66 pounds is also expected.

In clinical trials with healthy adults, Neffy demonstrated comparable epinephrine absorption and systemic effects (like increased blood pressure and heart rate) to auto-injectors. However, real-world data from anaphylaxis episodes is still needed.

Neffy offers several advantages, including ease of use, reduced anxiety for needle-phobic individuals, a more compact size for carrying, and a longer shelf life.

To use Neffy, insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger firmly until it clicks. A second dose with a new device can be given in the same nostril after 5 minutes if symptoms persist.

Common side effects may include throat and nasal irritation, tingling in the nose, headache, and feeling jittery.

Yes, other needle-free options are in development. These include a sublingual (under the tongue) epinephrine film, Anaphylm, and an intranasal epinephrine powder.

Yes, it is crucial to call 911 and seek emergency medical attention after using any emergency epinephrine treatment, including Neffy. This is necessary for monitoring and in case further treatment is required.