An adrenaline nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
EURneffy, a single-dose container that delivers 2mg of epinephrine into the nostril, can be used to treat severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children weighing 30kg or more.
The new line of treatment is the first officially approved needle-free alternative to epinephrine auto-injectors, known commonly as EpiPens.
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It is hoped that the spray can help speed up administration of life-saving treatment, which is sometimes delayed by fear of needles or uncertainty about using an auto-injector.
The MHRA’s interim executive director of healthcare quality and access, Julian Beach, said: ‘Patient safety is our top priority, which is why we’re pleased to approve the first needle-free nasal spray formulation of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in the UK.
‘While this represents an important new option, adrenaline auto-injectors remain a vital and potentially life-saving treatment, giving people experiencing anaphylaxis valuable time before emergency help arrives.’
The roll-out of EURneffy in the UK follows its approval in the EU and US last summer.
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As with any medicine, the MHRA said it will keep the safety and effectiveness of the adrenaline nasal spray under close review.
The nasal spray is a ‘ready-to-use’ single dose nasal spray that delivers its entire contents (2mg) upon activation.
The MHRA said the plunger should not be pressed before inserting the product into the nostril, otherwise the single dose will be lost prior to use.
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And it clarified that the nasal spray can also be used when the nose is congested due to a cold or allergy.
Patients should always carry two nasal sprays with them in case a second dose is needed and let friends or family know they have them in case of an emergency, the MHRA added.
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