Tasmanian clinicians use Neffy for anaphylaxis

Tasmanian clinicians have successfully used Neffy intranasal adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis during insect-venom immunotherapy, according to a paper published in the MJA and reported by Pharmacy Daily.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Three case studies from Tasmania demonstrate successful treatment of anaphylaxis using intranasal adrenaline in a clinical setting.
• Two cases involved honeybee venom reactions, while the third treated anaphylaxis triggered by jack jumper ant venom.
• Clinicians noted the formulation could help bypass barriers like needle aversion and reluctance to carry autoinjectors.

Tasmanian Clinicians Document Three Anaphylaxis Cases

The published paper details three instances where Tasmanian clinicians administered Neffy intranasal adrenaline during insect-venom immunotherapy sessions when patients experienced anaphylaxis. Two patients reacted to honeybee venom, and a third patient experienced an anaphylactic episode triggered by jack jumper ant venom. Medical staff recorded no serious side effects during the treatments, marking the first reports of intranasal adrenaline for anaphylaxis specifically linked to insect allergies.

Addressing Delivery Barriers Associated With Adrenaline Pens

Standard protocols typically rely on adrenaline delivered via autoinjector pens. However, clinicians highlighted that patient barriers—including needle aversion and a general reluctance to carry or use a pen even when prescribed—may lead to delayed treatment during an allergic emergency. Needle-free alternatives offer a practical method to overcome these obstacles and ensure prompt intervention when severe allergic reactions occur.

Prior evidence supporting the efficacy of intranasal adrenaline has derived mainly from food and aeroallergen challenges. While the Tasmanian clinical observations offer encouraging signals, the authors emphasized that further clinical data remains necessary to provide patients and clinicians with confidence that the intranasal route holds comparable efficacy to intramuscular delivery, particularly for severe anaphylaxis and reactions stemming from any cause.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.