How Much Does Neffy Nasal Spray Cost?

Neffy is the first FDA-approved needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for treating severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. This innovative drug delivery method offers a convenient, user-friendly alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen. But how much does this breakthrough medication cost compared to injectables?

How Much Does Neffy Nasal Spray Cost?

Neffy nasal spray has an average wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of $285 (≈2.4 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for a carton containing 2 single-use nasal spray devices. This manufacturer list price is similar to other epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen, which has a WAC around $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) for a 2-pack.

However, the out-of-pocket cost for patients with insurance can vary depending on the plan:

• With preferred brand coverage, copays may be as low as $0-25 per pack.
• For non-preferred brand status, copays range from $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-75 per pack
• High deductible plans may require paying the full drug cost until meeting an annual deductible.

Neffy's manufacturer, ARS Pharmaceuticals, offers a copay assistance program that can lower copays to $0 for eligible patients. Uninsured patients can also apply for patient assistance to receive Neffy at no cost based on financial need.

Major national retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and RiteAid will stock Neffy once available. Independent pharmacies can also order Neffy through drug wholesalers. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about how to get the lowest possible price.

According to Forbes and other sources, Neffy nasal spray is priced at approximately $199 (≈1.7 days working to pay for this at $15/hour) for two single-use devices in the US for patients without insurance. For those with commercial insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is significantly reduced to about $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) for two doses through copay assistance programs offered by ARS Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer [Forbes] [Northeastern News] [EMPR].

Some pharmacies list the price for a box of two sprays around $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) to $768 (≈1.3 weeks of continuous work at $15/hour), but these prices often require prescription authorization and may not reflect final patient costs after insurance or discount programs. The wholesale acquisition cost is reported near $710 (≈1.2 weeks locked to your job at $15/hour) for two devices, serving as a benchmark for pricing negotiations [Drugs.com] [Medical Letter].

Manufacturer ARS Pharmaceuticals offers a patient assistance program called neffyConnect to help eligible patients obtain the nasal spray at reduced or no cost. The product is designed for emergency use in adults and children weighing at least 66 pounds, providing a needle-free alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen [Neffy Official] [Reuters].

What is Neffy Nasal Spray?

Neffy nasal spray contains epinephrine, the same active drug in EpiPen, but delivers it through a needle-free, metered spray device. It was approved by the FDA in 2022 and is indicated for emergency treatment of allergic reactions in adults and children weighing at least 66 pounds.

Neffy provides a fast, effective way to administer epinephrine without an injection. The intranasal spray is rapidly absorbed via the nasal mucosa, offering comparable bioavailability to intramuscular injection. It starts working in under 5 minutes to quickly reverse dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis.

The spray was developed by biotech company ARS Pharmaceuticals to overcome the challenges of auto-injectors like EpiPen. Those include injection fear/hesitation, administration errors, and lack of portability. Neffy aims to make epinephrine more accessible for people of all ages suffering severe allergic reactions.

How Does Neffy Work?

When used during an allergic emergency, Neffy delivers a metered dose of epinephrine into the nasal cavity. The epinephrine is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream.

Clinical studies found Neffy achieves similar epinephrine plasma levels as intramuscular injection, with maximum concentrations reached in under 5 minutes. This rapid onset of action makes it ideal for treating anaphylactic reactions.

Neffy's nasal spray application also avoids the painful injection required for auto-injectors. The needle-free method helps eliminate injection fear and hesitation in using epinephrine during emergencies.

Why Was Neffy Developed?

Allergy experts recognized the need for more user-friendly and accessible forms of epinephrine to improve anaphylaxis care. Issues with auto-injectors like EpiPen include:

• Needle phobia - Fear of injections prevents some from using epinephrine when needed
• Administration errors - Improper injector use wastes medication
• Limited portability - Large auto-injectors not easily portable

Neffy addresses these problems through its innovative, needle-free spray design. The nasal spray requires no injection or special training. It's portable, fast-acting, and designed for intuitive use during a reaction.

Who Can Use Neffy?

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Neffy is FDA approved for anyone 7 years and older weighing at least 66 pounds. This includes both adults and children meeting the minimum age/weight requirements.

It can be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider to patients at risk for anaphylaxis due to food allergies, insect bites, latex allergy, and other allergens.

Off-label use for children under 66 pounds has not been evaluated clinically. Doctors may prescribe Neffy based on individual factors like age, weight, and medical history.

How Does Neffy Compare to Other Epinephrine Devices?

Here's how Neffy stacks up against other epinephrine products on the market:

The key advantage of Neffy is the needle-free nasal spray delivery. This makes administration easier and reduces hesitation compared to injectable epinephrine.

How to Use Neffy

Using Neffy during an allergic emergency is quick and simple:

1. Remove green cap
2. Insert tip into nostril until fingers touch the nose
3. Press bottom to release spray dose into nose
4. Breathe normally, do not inhale deeply after spraying
5. Call 911 and seek emergency care

Neffy delivers one 15mg dose of epinephrine per spray. For children, administer the dose sprayed into one nostril only. Adults and adolescents can receive half the dose in each nostril.

Benefits of a Needle-Free Epinephrine Spray

Choosing Neffy over an injectable epinephrine product has several advantages:

• Eliminates needle fear - Encourages more timely and proper use
• Simpler administration - Easy for anyone to use in emergencies
• Discreet dosing - Less noticeable than injecting in public
• Portability - Smaller device, easy to carry anywhere

By removing the barrier of injection, Neffy makes it easier for both caregivers and patients to quickly deliver epinephrine during potentially fatal allergic reactions.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

Side effects of Neffy are generally mild, localized nasal reactions:

• Nose irritation, runny nose, nasal congestion
• Unpleasant taste in mouth
• Headache, dizziness

Rarely, epinephrine can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, tremors. Seek medical care if symptoms seem severe or worrisome after using Neffy.

Proper storage is important to maintain drug potency. Neffy should be stored at room temperature between 68-77°F. Do not refrigerate or expose to extreme heat or cold.

The Future of Neffy

As Neffy gains market acceptance, the price may come down over time with increased usage and competition. For example, the EpiPen WAC has reduced by over 50% due to generic competition.

Neffy could also potentially gain over-the-counter (OTC) status in the future. This would allow purchase without a prescription, but likely at a higher retail cost without insurance coverage. The manufacturer has not yet pursued an Rx-to-OTC switch application.

For patients with high deductible plans or no insurance coverage, the $285 (≈2.4 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) WAC price can be burdensome. In such cases, the Neffy copay program can reduce costs to $0 for eligible applicants based on financial need. Uninsured patients may also find coupons from websites like GoodRx that provide discounts on certain prescription medications.

While not the lowest cost option, Neffy provides live-saving epinephrine delivery and an easier administration experience for many patients. Talk to your doctor and insurance provider about ways to get this innovative new product at an affordable price.

Is Neffy the Future of Allergy Emergency Care?

With its novel nasal spray delivery, Neffy transforms how epinephrine can be administered for anaphylaxis. This needle-free innovation addresses major barriers to proper auto-injector use like injection phobia and administration challenges. Neffy makes epinephrine accessible to more patients in emergency situations.

As real-world use increases, Neffy has potential to become a first-line treatment and standard part of anaphylaxis action plans. Talk to your doctor or allergist to see if Neffy is appropriate for your allergy management needs.

Final Words

Neffy's innovative nasal spray design transforms epinephrine delivery for severe allergic reactions. This first-of-its-kind needle-free alternative makes administration easier and reduces injection fear during anaphylaxis emergencies.

With an average wholesale price around $285 (≈2.4 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for a 2-pack, Neffy falls in line cost-wise with other epinephrine auto-injectors on the market. The exact out-of-pocket cost for patients will depend on individual insurance coverage. Manufacturer assistance programs are also available to help reduce copays for those with financial need.

While not the lowest cost option, Neffy provides life-saving epinephrine in a more user-friendly format. Its needle-free nasal spray technology has potential to greatly improve emergency allergy care. Talk to your doctor to see if Neffy is the right epinephrine product to meet your anaphylaxis treatment needs.

Answers to Common Questions

Do you have to go to the hospital after using Neffy?

It's recommended to seek emergency medical care after using Neffy, since anaphylaxis can worsen or come back after initial treatment. The emergency epinephrine dose helps stabilize the reaction, but follow-up care is important.

What temperature should Neffy be stored at?

Neffy should be stored at room temperature between 68-77°F to maintain drug potency. Avoid extreme heat or cold. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Is Neffy prescription only?

Yes, Neffy is currently only available by prescription. A doctor or healthcare provider must prescribe Neffy to patients at risk for anaphylaxis. It is not sold over-the-counter.