Tumgik
#epinephrine auto-injector
raffaellopalandri · 2 months
Text
Daily writing promptCreate an emergency preparedness plan.View all responses My entire life is a perpetual emergency preparedness plan. Image taken from Internet Living with life-threatening allergies to most medicines and foods, and many chemicals, has instilled in me a state of vigilance that most people reserve for catastrophic events. Every outing, every meal, every interaction with the…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
elblogdecleo · 4 months
Text
Anaphylactic Shock: Understanding and Reacting to a Life-Threatening Emergency
Learn to recognize and respond to anaphylactic shock with this comprehensive guide. Discover causes, symptoms, and emergency steps, including using an epinephrine auto-injector. Be prepared to save lives with essential insights on managing severe allergic
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
kamalkulkarni · 1 year
Text
0 notes
isleofdarkness · 9 days
Text
You really shouldn't have put all that candy back there. Candy contains a lot of common and uncommon allergens (worst offender being the peanut butter cups, which contain dairy, peanuts, and are not gluten free) and you have no idea what these kids are allergic to. They probably don't even know what they're allergic to. Unless you're willing to risk them needing to go to the hospital instead of AP, probably not a good idea. Are there even epinephrine auto-injectors back there?
Like, I get the sentiment. But that wasn't safe.
34 notes · View notes
nataliawrites · 2 years
Note
Hi 👋 love your writing so much❤️❤️
I am currently having an allergic reactions. Nothing super serious but having rashes on your face that itch like crazy still sucks😅
Could you maybe write something about Charles reacting to his partner having an allergic reaction?❤️
Breathless // Charles Leclerc
Tumblr media
Tree nuts were the bane of your existence. It’s fair to say that after a seemingly innocent cookie sent you into anaphylactic shock as a toddler, you developed a certain hatred for the allergen that somehow always appeared in food that it had no business being in.
The allergy followed you into adulthood and so did the long-standing tradition of reading every single ingredient label while grocery shopping and asking to speak to the chef about your dietary restrictions while out to eat.
Thankfully, your boyfriend of two years was more than understanding. He was a professional athlete himself and was no stranger to being careful about what you put in your body. Charles even had a list of tried and true snacks around the paddock memorized and would bring you something to nibble on every race day while he went through his routine.
Today he pulled you away from a conversation with some young engineers to hand you a cappuccino and some biscotti from Ferrari hospitality, “the usual for mon amour.”
“Thank you, my darling.” You lean up to press a gentle kiss to his lips and pull away laughing as your stomach growls, “perfect timing.”
You take a bite of a biscotto, “this tastes different. Did they change the flavor?”
“They had it noted as the same lemon biscotti I always get you so I don’t think so.”
But as you continued to chew, you knew something was wrong. Your throat felt tight and tongue felt swollen. Blood rushed in your ears as the garage around you turned blurry.
Charles knew the signs, “love? What’s wrong?”
You tried to say something but your airway had quickly become too constricted to speak so you desperately gestured at your throat as you continued taking small, wheezing breaths.
He rushed to sit you in the closest chair he could find and begged whatever staff was nearby to keep an eye on you, “I have epinephrine in my driver’s room. I’ll be right back, I promise. Just stay calm. And someone please call the medic.”
He must have ran there and back because he returned not even two minutes later with the familiar auto-injector and knelt in front of you before lifting your dress and jabbing the needle into your thigh with practiced motions.
The effect was almost instant as you finally gulped in much needed air.
Charles took both of your hands in his and squeezed. It felt like a lifeline — for both you and him — as you were reminded just how rapid and dangerous allergic reactions could be.
“I’m so sorry. I should’ve checked to make sure they didn’t change the recipe. It’s all my fault. If I wasn’t so complacent-”
You stopped him, your voice hoarse. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. These things happen especially when food isn’t prepackaged. What matters is that you had epinephrine and knew what to do. You saved me, Charles.”
“I’ve kept some in my driver’s room since you first started coming to races. Just in case. I wish I didn’t have to use it because of something I gave you,” he looked up at you, eyes earnest.
In that moment, you sent a little prayer of thanks to the universe at large for giving you this incredible man.
When the ambulance came shortly after, he insisted on going with you to get all the necessary checks done even if it meant he would possibly miss the race and you found yourself falling even more in love than you ever thought possible.
583 notes · View notes
cripplecharacters · 2 months
Note
hi! a friend of mine has recently told me a bunch of stuff about how i could include some disabled characters in my short stories (i write hurt/comfort for the record) and what they'd like to see more of.
something on the list was "[disabled people] have access to certain medical supplies that normally wouldn't be accessible." google isn't being super helpful as it's a pretty vague statement. can you give me some examples of this? would it be syringes and needles? or certain medication that's easy to use with malicious intent? (also for the record, they were specifically asking if i could write more disabled characters doing the hurting instead of being victims of it, since that tends to be an underrepresented category). i dont even know where to start researching since there's so many types of disabilities, so any help would be hugely appreciated!
Hello,
Prescriptions open up a world of medical supplies that the public would have to jump through major hoops to access or wouldn't be able to access at all. For example, epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known as Epi-Pens. In America, one can only get those with a prescription or if you're the caretaker for someone who has life-threatening allergies, there is no other way to get them unless you buy them from a shady sight from the United Kingdom or Canada. Even Adrenaclic, created by CVS Pharmacy, which also treats anaphylaxis, is only available when prescribed by a medical professional. Disabled people with chronic pain can access medical marijuana, or even medical-grade opioids. One can't legally buy Schedule 2 Drugs (things like Adderall) without a prescription. It'll depend on what condition they have, but prescription medications are a huge part of that "access to supplies the rest of the population can't have."
The second thing is medical-grade sterile equipment. Sure, you can buy IV bags off of Amazon for fifteen dollars for fifty, but those probably aren't medical-grade and you don't have a guarantee that they're good or safe quality. IV fluids are hard to find at a reasonable price. Syringes? Those absolutely need to be sterile, it's not safe to buy those from anywhere that isn't a pharmacy. All of this stuff is best purchased as medical-grade, meaning it could be used by a doctor or a hospital, and they aren't buying this stuff from Amazon. Pharmacies get this stuff from similar, maybe even the same, sources as hospitals are getting them, and a pharmacy will probably only sell you most of this stuff to someone who's prescribed it and who has a diagnosed medical condition that requires it. Even then, disabled people usually need to jump through hoops to get our medical equipment.
And the third is something that might surprise you- mobility and assistance devices. Yes, you can get a cane from Walmart or a hospital-type wheelchair from Target, but those aren't personalized. They'll do the job but an abled person probably can't get a custom-built wheelchair as easily as someone with cerebral palsy can. This isn't saying it's easy for disabled people to get these things, it's just easier than it is for the general population. Plus, things such as a class three powerchair are thousands of dollars. If you're prescribed one, insurance might cover part of it, or you might have the option to receive these things for free from charities, or at a discounted rate, especially if you're low-income. You can buy them if you're abled, sure, but you'll have access to a better way to go about it if you're actually disabled.
Again, nothing on this list is guaranteed to be a breeze for a disabled person, but there are routes we can take that make getting them easier than it would be for an abled person who doesn't need them.
Mod Aaron
36 notes · View notes
cannabiscomrade · 1 year
Note
great allergy post btw!!
I think its easy to say good allergies aren’t that bad because they’re avoidable and the symptoms aren’t really chronic in the same sense that typical disabilities are. But my god the social effects! Having to bring your own food everywhere and be mindful about traveling and plane rides constantly is really draining after a while, especially with very common allergens like gluten or meat or egg. Like it’s crazy to me that most people can just eat whatever (like random food trucks in particular because damn I wish) because I’ve never gotten to do that
also the comorbidities! asthma alone accounts for a long term impact of allergen exposure.
people do not care to understand the severity of anaphylaxis and I've even been in first aid trainings where all they did was pass the Epi-Pen trainer around. a certain popular public charter [R.E.D.A.C.T.E.D] doesn't even mandate allergy certification through the first aid/cpr provider they choose. (a majority of first aid/cpr courses I've taken are phenomenal with allergy training fwiw)
ANYWAYS here are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and what to do if you or someone is experiencing them!
If you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, call emergency services immediately. Do not delay care. If you're unsure, call anyways. Symptoms can be rapid or within 2 hours of exposure.
Do not delay care after administering epinephrine (Epi-Pen, Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, etc), it is only temporary, hospital care is necessary.
Do not assume that someone with an allergy has an epinephrine injector, especially in places where you have to pay for healthcare.
If someone goes unresponsive and is not breathing during an allergic reaction, start CPR (adult | child+infant) immediately.
Tumblr media
Image description: an infographic from the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team titled "SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS"
Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious allergic reaction that comes on quickly and has the potential to become life-threatening. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, venom, medications, and latex. Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms that may occur alone or in any combination after exposure to an allergen include:
MOUTH: itching, tingling, swelling of the lips/tongue/palate (roof of the mouth)
THROAT: hoarseness, tightening of throat, difficulty swallowing, hacking cough, stridor (a loud, high-pitched sound when breathing in)
LUNGS: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, tightness
GUT: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
CNS/BRAIN: anxiety, panic, sense of doom
EYES/NOSE: runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery red eyes, itchy eyes, swollen eyes SKIN: hives or other rash, redness/flushing, itching, swelling
CIRCULATION/HEART: chest pain, low blood pressure, weak pulse, shock, pale blue color, dizziness or fainting, lethargy (lack of energy)
Symptoms involving the throat, lungs, and circulation/heart are marked with asterisks, indicating immediate and potential life-threatening symptoms.
Consult with a board-certified allergist for an accurate diagnosis and management plan.
Although the majority of individuals experiencing anaphylaxis have skin symptoms, some of the most severe cases have no rash, hives, swelling
EPINEPHRINE is the first-line of treatment for anaphylaxis Antihistamines, inhalers, & other treatments should only be used as secondary treatment. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times.
When you, or someone you know, begin to experience symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!
FAACT Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team
AWARENESS • ADVOCACY • EDUCATION www.FoodAllergyAwareness.org
(513) 342-1293 Fax (513) 342-1239
P.O. Box 511 West Chester, OH 45071 [email protected]
[end ID]
106 notes · View notes
macgyvermedical · 6 months
Note
so i have this character who drowned and was pulled out of water with no pulse, other than doing rescue breaths + CPR can the rescuer used an AED and epinephrine on this character to get their heart beating again?
Yes.
In fact, you're probably going to need at least the AED to get the heart beating again in a normal rhythm.
The epi is a weird one since most people don't carry it in the form necessary to work fast enough to make a difference in a cardiac arrest. Like, could you use an epi pen (or other auto-injector)? Maybe, but the dose in an adult epi pen is less than a third of the dose usually used in a cardiac arrest (0.3ml vs 1ml).
And epi pens deliver their dose into the muscle instead of into a vein, so it takes time to absorb. Even longer if the only circulation is CPR. You'd probably have to do CPR for at least 20-30 minutes before even some of the epi made it to the heart, making it all but useless.
I hear you then saying "but what if I discharged 3 epi pens straight into the heart Pulp Fiction style (or took an epi pen apart to get to the rest of the epi and injected it straight into the heart)?" Well, unfortunately, the needle is not long enough. It's only 16mm, and the average chest wall thickness is close to 40mm.
So TL;DR if your character doesn't have IV access and enough epi, I would probably just stick to the AED and CPR.
36 notes · View notes
Note
Why is it that anyone can easily by Narcan, no prescription needed, just in case someone overdoses, but people who don't have allergies aren't allowed to be Epinephrine auto-injectors (Epi Pens) in case someone goes into anaphylaxis but doesn't have one? They're both life-saving, so why is Narcan no strings attached but Epi Pens are basically illegal to own without a prescription? I'm being genuine as someone who works in food service
-
18 notes · View notes
mapsontheweb · 1 year
Photo
Tumblr media
Access to epinephrine auto-injectors by country
49 notes · View notes
Text
Tumblr media
Effective Allergy Treatments: Natural Remedies and Medical Options for Relief
Allergies can be a significant nuisance, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s seasonal allergies from pollen, pet dander, or food allergies, finding effective treatment is essential for improving the quality of life. In this blog, we will explore various allergy treatments, including natural remedies and medical options, to help you find relief. If you're in Kolkata, consider visiting the Best Allergy Treatment Clinic in Kolkata, the Allergy & Asthma Treatment Centre.
Understanding Allergies
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign substance, known as an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and certain foods. Symptoms can range from mild, such as sneezing and itching, to severe, including anaphylaxis. Finding the right treatment options tailored to your specific needs is crucial for managing allergies effectively.
Natural Remedies for Allergies
While medical treatments can be highly effective for allergy relief, many individuals prefer natural remedies. Here are some popular options:
1. Local Honey
Consuming local honey is thought to help with pollen allergies. It is believed to expose your body to small amounts of pollen, potentially building immunity over time. Just remember that this natural remedy might not work for everyone, so consult with a doctor before trying it.
2. Nasal Irrigation
Using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages can help alleviate symptoms caused by pollen and other allergens. A neti pot or saline spray can be effective in clearing out mucus and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.
3. Quercetin-Rich Foods
Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in various fruits and vegetables, such as apples, onions, and citrus fruits. It has been shown to block histamine release and may help relieve allergy symptoms.
4. Stinging Nettle
This herbal remedy has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally to treat allergy symptoms. It can be found in various forms, including capsules, teas, and tinctures.
5. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, may reduce allergy symptoms. Diffusing these oils or using them in a steam inhalation can help open the airways and ease discomfort.
Medical Options for Allergy Relief
Natural remedies can be beneficial; however, medical treatments may be necessary for more severe allergies. Here are some medical options to consider:
1. Antihistamines
These medications are often the first line of defense against allergic reactions. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Popular options include loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine.
2. Nasal Corticosteroids
For those struggling with nasal allergies, corticosteroid nasal sprays can be extremely effective. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Common options include fluticasone and mometasone.
3. Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
These medications help control asthma symptoms and can be effective for allergic rhinitis. Montelukast is a commonly prescribed leukotriene receptor antagonist that may help alleviate both asthma and allergy symptoms.
4. Immunotherapy
For long-term relief, immunotherapy involves exposing the patient to increasing amounts of the allergen over time, thereby desensitizing the immune response. This treatment can be administered through allergy shots or sublingual tablets. Consult a specialist at the best allergy treatment clinic in Kolkata to see if this option is suitable for you.
5. Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
For severe allergies, particularly food allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial. This device can administer a life-saving dose of epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction.
Also read: Top 10 Allergy Treatments
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
In addition to natural and medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can also help in managing allergies effectively:
Avoid Allergens: Identify and avoid known allergens, whether they’re environmental or dietary.
Air Purifiers: Use HEPA filters in your home’s heating and air conditioning systems to trap allergens and improve indoor air quality.
Stay Hydrated: Keeping hydrated can help maintain the moisture in your airways and reduce irritation.
Regular Cleaning: Regularly dusting and vacuuming your home can help eliminate allergens.
Wear Masks: During high pollen seasons, consider wearing masks when outside to limit exposure.
Conclusion
Allergies can significantly impact your daily activities and overall well-being. However, with various treatment options, both natural and medical, relief is possible. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most effective approach for your specific situation. If you’re situated in Kolkata, the Best Allergy Treatment Clinic in Kolkata – the Allergy & Asthma Treatment Centre – offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t let allergies hold you back; reach out to them for effective treatment options that can enhance your quality of life.
0 notes
raffaellopalandri · 2 months
Text
My Lifesaver: The Adrenaline Auto-injector
Daily writing promptWhat is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?View all responses For most people, the most important thing that they carry all the time is probably their phone, wallet, or keys. But for me, my adrenaline auto-injector is far more crucial. Image found on Internet Living with multiple life-threatening allergies means constantly being aware of potential…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
kavitabhalekar · 19 days
Text
0 notes
Text
Emergency Pediatrician: When and Why to Seek Urgent Care for Your Child
As a parent, your child’s health and well-being are your top priorities. However, there are times when your child’s symptoms or injuries might be beyond the scope of home care or a regular pediatric visit. At Gentle Pediatrics, we understand that it can be challenging to determine when to seek emergency care for your child. This article will guide you on when and why you should visit an emergency pediatrician, ensuring that your child receives the immediate attention they need.
What Is an Emergency Pediatrician?
An emergency pediatrician is a specialized physician trained to provide urgent medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric conditions that require immediate attention, from sudden illnesses to traumatic injuries. Emergency pediatricians work in hospital emergency departments and urgent care clinics, offering expert care when your child needs it most.
When to Visit an Emergency Pediatrician
Knowing when to visit an emergency pediatrician can be crucial in preventing complications and ensuring your child’s safety. Here are some situations where seeking emergency pediatric care is essential:
1. High Fever in Infants and Young Children
Fever is a common symptom in children, but it can be particularly concerning in very young infants. For babies under three months old, any fever above 100.4°F (38°C) should be treated as an emergency. In older children, a fever above 104°F (40°C) or a fever that lasts more than three days despite home treatment should prompt a visit to an emergency pediatrician. High fevers can be a sign of serious infections, such as meningitis or sepsis, that require immediate medical intervention.
2. Difficulty Breathing
Breathing difficulties can be a sign of a serious respiratory condition, such as asthma, pneumonia, or an allergic reaction. If your child is wheezing, gasping for air, or has a rapid breathing rate, they need to be seen by an emergency pediatrician right away. Additionally, if you notice that your child’s skin, lips, or fingernails are turning blue, it’s a clear indication of oxygen deprivation, and emergency care is necessary.
3. Unexplained Seizures
Seizures can be alarming, especially if it’s your child’s first one. Seizures may be triggered by fever (febrile seizures) or other underlying conditions, and they require immediate evaluation. If your child has a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, experiences multiple seizures in a short period, or has difficulty waking up afterward, it’s essential to seek emergency care. Emergency pediatricians can quickly assess the cause of the seizure and provide appropriate treatment.
4. Severe Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can vary in severity, but some can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. This reaction can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, insect stings, or medications. If you suspect your child is experiencing anaphylaxis, use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and head to the nearest emergency pediatrician immediately.
5. Uncontrolled Bleeding or Deep Wounds
Accidents are a part of childhood, but some injuries require more than just a bandage. If your child has a deep cut that won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes, or if the injury involves a sensitive area like the face, hands, or genitals, it’s important to visit an emergency pediatrician. Similarly, any wound that might need stitches or involves a foreign object embedded in the skin should be evaluated promptly.
6. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for young children. If your child is unable to keep fluids down, has bloody vomit or diarrhea, or shows signs of dehydration (such as a dry mouth, sunken eyes, or reduced urine output), they should be seen by an emergency pediatrician. Dehydration can quickly escalate, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
Why Choose Gentle Pediatrics for Emergency Care?
At Gentle Pediatrics, we understand how stressful it can be when your child is sick or injured. Our team of experienced emergency pediatricians is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. We prioritize your child’s comfort and safety, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment during emergencies.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you bring your child to Gentle Pediatrics for emergency care, our team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of their symptoms. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and techniques to quickly identify the issue and begin treatment. Whether your child needs medication, wound care, or further observation, we will ensure they receive the appropriate care to help them recover as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Understanding when and why to visit an emergency pediatrician can make a significant difference in your child’s health and recovery. At Gentle Pediatrics, we are here to support you and your family through any medical emergency, providing expert care when you need it most. If you’re ever in doubt about your child’s condition, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care—it’s always better to be safe when it comes to your child’s health. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, and we’re committed to helping them get back to feeling their best.
0 notes
enberryapp · 30 days
Text
What is an epipen and how does it work? EpiPens are a type of epinephrine auto-injector, which means they work by automatically injecting a dose of the hormone epinephrine (also called adrenaline) into a person's body. This could be done, for example, during a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. EpiPen® contains epinephrine, a medication that can help decrease your body’s allergic reaction by relaxing the muscles in your airways to make breathing easier, helping to reverse the rapid and dangerous decrease in blood pressure, relaxing the muscles in the stomach, intestines and bladder. Side effects : Like all medicines, epinephrine may cause side effects. Some side effects from using epinephrine may include paleness, dizziness, weakness, shaking, headache, throbbing, restlessness, anxiety, tenseness, or fear. Serious side effects include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate (pounding heart), irregular or skipped heart beats, chest pain (also called angina), and stroke. The symptoms of stroke are blurred vision, difficulty speaking, headache, dizziness, and weakness.
0 notes
sa7abnews · 1 month
Text
There’s Now a Nasal Spray for Dangerous Allergic Reactions
New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/13/theres-now-a-nasal-spray-for-dangerous-allergic-reactions/
There’s Now a Nasal Spray for Dangerous Allergic Reactions
Tumblr media Tumblr media
U.S. health officials on Friday approved a nasal spray to treat severe allergic reactions, the first needle-free alternative to shots like EpiPen.
The Food and Drug Administration said it approved the spray from drugmaker ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. as an emergency treatment for adults and older children experiencing life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis occurs when the body’s immune system develops a sudden, unexpected reaction to a foreign substance, such as food, insect stings or medications. Common symptoms include hives, swelling, itching, vomiting and difficulty breathing.
The device, marketed as Neffy, could upend treatment for the 33 million to 45 million Americans with severe allergies to food and other triggers. Anaphylaxis sends more than 30,000 people to emergency rooms and results in more than 2,000 hospitalizations and more than 230 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Read More: Your High Cholesterol Might Be Genetic
Of the 6 million prescriptions written for auto-injectors each year, more than 40% are never filled, Dr. Thomas Casale, an allergist at the University of South Florida, told an FDA advisory panel last year. Even when they are available to caregivers, many auto-injectors are used incorrectly, he said.
“There’s a real unmet medical need for a large portion of the population,” he said.
Neffy is intended for people who weigh at least 66 pounds. It is given in a single dose sprayed into one nostril. A second dose can be given if the person’s symptoms don’t improve.
The new treatment could be life-changing for people with severe food allergies, said Dr. Kelly Cleary, a pediatrician and director with the Food Allergy Research & Education, a nonprofit advocacy group.
“I have seen the look of worry or fear,” said Cleary, whose 11-year-old son has multiple food allergies. “I worry about what happens if someone hesitates.”
Requiring an injection in an emergency is as scary to some children as the allergic reaction itself. Some parents have had to restrain thrashing children to inject them, sometimes causing cuts that require stitches. About 3,500 caregivers a year are injured when they accidentally inject themselves in the hands, ARS said.
Priscilla Hernandez, of Pasadena, California said her 12-year-old son, Zacky, who is allergic to sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, avocado and other foods, was traumatized when he had a reaction at school about six years ago and a nurse treated him with an auto-injector.
“Having to do a shot creates this whole different level of anxiety,” she said.
She said, “we are over the moon” about the FDA’s approval of the spray, which Zacky will start carrying when it becomes available.
First marketed in 1901, epinephrine predates the FDA itself. Products like the EpiPen auto-injector, approved in 1987, were authorized based on chemistry and manufacturing data and were not required to prove safety and efficacy.
Clinical trials of people experiencing potentially deadly reactions are difficult for ethical and pragmatic reasons. Instead, ARS officials compared the effect of the nasal spray on biological markers to existing epinephrine treatments.
Results showed Neffy worked about as well as injected epinephrine to boost heart rate and blood pressure, which counter severe reactions. The drug is combined with a patented agent that allows it to be easily absorbed through nasal membranes.
Other needle-free epinephrine devices are being developed to treat allergic reactions. In the pipeline are nasal sprays from Bryn Pharma, of North Carolina, and Nausus Pharma, of Israel; a needle-free auto-injector from Crossject of France; and an epinephrine film that is administered under the tongue from Aquestive Therapeutics, of New Jersey.
Neffy is designed to be easy to carry and easy to use, especially for children, said Richard Lowenthal, president and chief executive of San Diego-based ARS.
“We don’t want fear. There’s no needle, there’s no pain with this product,” he said. “It’s basically like spraying saline into your nose.”
ARS didn’t immediately disclose a list price, but said it would make the spray available through certain discount programs for about $200 per two-pack. Insurance plans must still decide whether to cover the product and at what price.
0 notes