Allergy UK Welcomes Needle-Free Emergency Adrenaline Treatment for Anaphylaxis   

The launch of a needle-free emergency treatment for anaphylaxis called EURneffy and available on the NHS is welcome news.  

EURneffy is non-invasive, needle-free and designed to provide rapid absorption of adrenaline through the nose. Two devices should be carried in cause a second dose is needed. No special storage conditions are required, it isn’t affected by high temperatures, has a long shelf life and is relatively small.  

Moments matter. EURneffy has the potential to be a game-changer for people who live at risk of severe allergic reaction, helping reduce any hesitancy about giving themselves or someone else adrenaline using a device with a needle and offering people a choice of device. 

Until now, the only available treatment for people living at risk of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis has been an injectable form delivered by an adrenaline auto-injector device (AAI), which gives a dose of adrenaline into the thigh muscle.  

Some young people have been reluctant to carry auto-injector devices because they find them bulky. This has long been concerning to healthcare professionals – and parents – as delay in administration of adrenaline is associated with poorer outcomes, so prompt use can save lives. 

EURneffy is licensed for use in children and adults who weigh over 30kg (about 66 pounds). It contains the active substance adrenaline (also known as epinephrine).  It is already used in the US where it is known as Neffy.  

Clinical data demonstrated that EURneffy 2mg is well absorbed through the nose and distributed quickly into body tissues.  Recent real-world data showed that a single dose of EURneffy successfully treated severe allergic reactions in 9 out of 10 (89.2%) patients – similar to results seen with AAIs.  

EURneffy has a 30-month shelf life and has no special storage. Like AAIs, EURneffy should be used at the first signs of a severe allergic reaction by placing the nozzle into one nostril, pointing directly upwards and pressing the plunger firmly until it clicks to release the full dose of medicine into the nose.  If a second dose is required, it should be used in the same nostril. 

Each device contains a single dose, so it’s important not to press the plunger until it’s ready to be used, and in place in the nostril.  If symptoms don’t improve, or if they get worse after five minutes, a second dose should be given so people should carry two devices. It can be disposed of in household waste recycling, so does not need to be taken to a pharmacy once used, but you will have to get a repeat prescription.