Key takeaways

  • Neffy is a brand-name nasal spray prescribed for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. It contains the active ingredient epinephrine.
  • The dosage of Neffy depends on body weight in kilograms. It can be used in adults and certain children.
  • Your doctor will likely recommend that you keep two Neffy nasal sprays with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Neffy for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and certain children.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Neffy here:

  • Drug class: alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist
  • Drug form: nasal spray
  • Generic available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no

Neffy is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

The Neffy dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on your weight.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Neffy is available as a nasal spray. It comes in two strengths:

  • 1 milligram (mg)/0.1 milliliter (mL) per spray
  • 2 mg/0.1 mL per spray

Dosage for emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction

Neffy is approved for use in adults and children ages 4 years and older who weigh 15 kilograms (kg) or more. [One kg is about 2.2. pounds (lb).] The dosage of Neffy depends on your weight:

  • For people who weigh 30 kg (about 66 lb) or more, the recommended dose is one spray of Neffy 2 mg.
  • For people who weigh 15 kg (about 33 lb) to less than 30 kg, the recommended dose is one spray of Neffy 1 mg.

If your symptoms do not improve or worsen 5 minutes after the initial dose, it is recommended to administer a second dose of Neffy in the same nostril with a new nasal spray.

How to use

Neffy is for nasal use only. Each nasal spray is for single use and delivers the entire dose.

You do not need to prime the nasal spray before use. To administer your dose of Neffy, fully insert the nozzle of the nasal spray straight into one nostril (do not angle the nasal spray). Then you will press the plunger on the nasal spray. Be sure to avoid sniffing during and after administering the dose.

If your symptoms do not improve after a second dose of Neffy, seek emergency medical help or contact 911 or your local emergency number.

For more information on how to use Neffy, visit the manufacturer website.

Overdose

Using more than the recommended dosage of Neffy can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Neffy than your doctor recommends.

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Neffy can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Neffy. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Neffy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Neffy and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Neffy. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Neffy’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Neffy can include:

  • nasal discomfort
  • headache
  • runny nose
  • dizziness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • throat irritation
  • feeling jittery
  • abdominal pain
  • tremor
  • itchy nose
  • sneezing
  • gum pain
  • numbness in mouth
  • nasal congestion

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects weren’t reported in Neffy’s studies.

Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Side effects in children

Side effects seen in children were similar to those seen in adults. More common side effects of Neffy reported in children include:

  • nasal discomfort
  • nasal congestion
  • paresthesia
  • runny, dry, or painful nose
  • sneezing
  • upper respiratory tract congestion
  • nosebleed
  • dry throat
  • fatigue
  • feeling jittery

If you have questions about side effects of Neffy in children, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Neffy can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Neffy, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Neffy is FDA approved for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis in adults and children ages 4 years and older who weigh 15 kg or more. Specifically, Neffy is used to treat type 1 allergic reactions.

Your doctor may prescribe Neffy if you have an increased risk of severe allergic reactions. They’ll likely recommend that you keep two Neffy nasal sprays with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Neffy for severe allergic reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to a substance it thinks is harmful. Allergens, such as certain foods, bee stings, latex, or medications, are substances that cause allergic reactions.

Some allergic reactions can be severe or even life threatening, such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can affect your whole body and cause symptoms such as:

Neffy can interact with several other medications.

Before taking Neffy, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

Here is a list of medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Neffy. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Neffy. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Neffy. It’s likely safe to consume alcohol while taking Neffy. If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking Neffy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

As with all medications, the cost of Neffy can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Neffy or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. A copay savings program is available for Neffy. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 877‑696‑3339 or visit the program website.

Generic version: Neffy is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Other drugs containing epinephrine that may be used to treat a severe allergic reaction are available. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Neffy, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs also contain epinephrine and may be used to treat severe allergic reaction:

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding.

Neffy and pregnancy

Neffy hasn’t been studied in pregnant people. But a severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency. It can be life threatening for the pregnant person and the fetus. So, doctors consider epinephrine (the active ingredient in Neffy) an acceptable treatment for severe allergic reactions during pregnancy. The benefits of epinephrine treatment typically outweigh any risks.

Talk with your doctor if you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant. Together, you can consider the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should use Neffy during pregnancy.

Neffy and breastfeeding

In general, Neffy is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, you and your doctor can discuss your specific situation.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Neffy.

Is Neffy as good as EpiPen?

Neffy and EpiPen both contain epinephrine. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the most effective treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine.

The main difference between Neffy and EpiPen is the form they are available. Neffy is available as a nasal spray, while EpiPen is available as an autoinjector (automatic injection device). Both Neffy and EpiPen are single-use products.

If you have questions about which medication is best for you, talk with your doctor.

What is Neffy’s shelf-life? How long is it good for?

Neffy has a shelf life of up to 2.5 years for the 2 mg/0.1 mL strength and 2 years for the 1 mg/0.1 mL strength. These are from the date the drug was manufactured.

Be sure to check the expiration date on your product periodically to make sure it has not expired.

How does Neffy work?

Neffy works by acting on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, and it:

  • narrows your blood vessels, which increases your blood pressure
  • tightens your blood vessels, which stops them from leaking and reduces swelling
  • relaxes and opens your airways, which makes breathing easier

Neffy also relaxes the muscles in your digestive system, which relieves vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Before taking Neffy, discuss your health history with your doctor. Neffy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Neffy, see the “Neffy side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.