The Food and Drug Administration approved the first epinephrine nasal spray for severe allergic reactions on Friday, August 9.
The drug, sold under the name “Neffy” by San Diego-based ARS pharmaceuticals, is approved for severe allergic reactions in adults and children weighing 66 pounds or more.
Patient cost for two single-use sprays will range from $25 to $199, depending on insurance coverage. Patient assistance programs may be available to help with costs for eligible individuals.
The FDA approval provides a needle-free option to epi pens, which some individuals may be hesitant to use, especially in cases of anaphylaxis.
RELATED STORY | Boy dies after eating strawberries bought from school fundraiser
“That does, we know, delay treatment in individuals that are having an allergic reaction because those around them are nervous and are hesitant to use an injectable device,” allergist Dr. Payel Gupta with the Allergy and Asthma Network says.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include sudden hives, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, a weak fast pulse, nausea, diarrhea, feeling dizzy or fainting. Symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The new epinephrine nasal spray is expected to be widely available within eight weeks.
RELATED STORY | FDA expands use of asthma drug Xolair to treat severe food allergies
