COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — An Epipen alternative on the market has been newly approved for pediatric use. It could be a game-changer for kids afraid of needles, according to a local clinical pharmacist.
The medication comes in the form of a nasal spray, called Neffy.
"Most patients don't like needles anyway, especially a younger patient," said Ryan Cromer, a clinical pharmacist with Piedmont Columbus Midtown.
He explained that the nasal epinephrine spray is approved for patients four years of age or older, as well as children who weigh 15 to 30 kilograms on the low end.
Locally, Cromer said awareness of the new medication is still taking off. He thinks it could gain traction, since it is easy to use and just as effective as a traditional Epipen at mitigating the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
The device works by inserting its spout directly at the bottom of the nostril and depressing a plunger to release the medication. Mist then goes into the nasal passage and begins working in the body immediately.
"You're bypassing the G.I. tract and things like that," Cromer explained.
Since it works as a spray, the medication also negates the risk of accidentally injecting incorrectly with an Epipen, an error Cromer said he has seen happen more than once.
Although Piedmont Columbus Regional's Midtown pharmacy does not currently carry the nasal epinephrine spray, Cromer said your primary care provider can help you start the process to get a prescription.
On its website, Neffy also offers a program to give some of its product to school healthcare providers for free.
Whether using nasal epinephrine or an Epipen, Cromer said it's key to react quickly if you are having a severe allergic reaction. If symptoms don't resolve five minutes after using medication, the clinical pharmacist said to use another device to administer another dose.
Cromer also said it is a good move to visit the emergency room after an allergic reaction to make sure symptoms have completely resolved.
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