Have you ever had a severe allergy? Or have you seen someone who has? Suddenly having difficulty breathing, swelling all over your body, and swelling of your eyes and mouth is a very scary experience. The main medicine that can save your life in such a situation is an injection called `( epinephrine )`. But, in an emergency, when you are nervous, giving yourself or someone else an injection is not an easy task, right? Along with the fear of needles, some people are too late to use it. So, a good solution has now come to this.
What is this new needle-free medicine?
This is the latest news in the world. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first nasal spray for severe allergies. It's called neffy .
Simply put, this is the same medicine as `(epinephrine)`, but it is made to be sprayed into the nose instead of being injected. It is designed to treat severe, even life-threatening `(Type 1 allergic reactions)`. The most serious and dangerous of these is `(anaphylaxis)`.
This ` Neffy` spray is currently approved for use in adults and children weighing more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) .
What is 'Anaphylaxis'? What are its symptoms?
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergy. It occurs when our body's immune system reacts in a very severe way to something that would normally be harmless (such as peanuts, food like shrimp, a medication, or an insect sting). This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
Time is of the essence in this case. It is very important to act as soon as you notice symptoms.
There are several basic symptoms that can be seen in this condition. Let's see what they are.
| Body system | Symptoms to expect |
|---|---|
| Respiratory system | Difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, feeling like your throat is clogged. |
| Skin | Hives, redness of the skin, swelling of the lips, eyes, and face. |
| Digestive system | Severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting. |
| Heart and blood circulation | Sudden drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, loss of consciousness. |
If one or more of these symptoms appear suddenly, it could be anaphylactic shock. This means that immediate treatment is needed to save your life.
Why is a needle-free option so important to us?
Imagine, your child eats some peanuts and suddenly has a seizure. You have an ``EpiPen`` (epinephrine autoinjector) with you. But in the midst of all that excitement, the fear of injecting it into the child's leg... the fear of the needle, the doubt that you won't be able to inject it properly, all of this makes some parents and even patients delay giving the medicine. Sometimes they don't give it at all.
According to the company that created `neffy`, there are several reasons for this delay:
- Needle phobia: A major problem for many people.
- Difficulty carrying it everywhere: Some injection pens are a bit large.
- Safety concerns: There is a fear of sticking the needle in the wrong place or stabbing yourself.
For these reasons, out of the millions of people with severe allergies, only a small percentage are prescribed an epinephrine injection. And even among those who do, studies have found that more than half are either late in using it or don't use it at all in an emergency. So, having a simple, painless, and fear-free method like a nasal spray is a great relief for all of them.
Is the 'neffy' spray as effective as the injection?
Yes. This has been proven in studies conducted before it was approved. Tests conducted on healthy adults have shown that a single dose of Neffy spray into one nostril can produce levels of epinephrine in the blood that are similar to those obtained by injection. It also has the same ability to increase blood pressure and heart rate as the injection.
In a study conducted on children weighing more than 30 kilograms, the concentration of `epiphen PH rine` in their blood after this spray was at the same level as adults. This means that this is a very effective and reliable option .
Are there any things to be careful about before using this?
As with any medicine, there are a few things you should know before using this one.
- If you have any nasal conditions (e.g. frequent nasal congestion, sinus problems),
- If you have had previous nose surgery,
- If you have a `(sulfite)` allergy,
In such a case, you should definitely talk to your doctor and get advice on whether `neffy` spray is right for you. It may not be safe for people with other medical conditions. Therefore, do not use any medicine without medical advice.
This drug is currently approved in the United States. We hope that in the future, similar easy treatments will be available in other countries around the world.
Take-Home Message
- A new, needle-free, nasal spray called 'neffy' is now available to treat severe allergies (anaphylaxis).
- This is a great alternative to injections like the EpiPen, especially for those who are afraid of needles.
- This is currently approved for adults and children weighing more than 30 kilograms.
- It is important to be aware of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and facial swelling.
- Always consult your doctor before using any new medication, especially if you have other medical conditions.
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