For 26-year-old Austin Tattersall, every departure from his Victorian home involves a critical ritual: ensuring he carries his life-saving medication. Living with severe food allergies, known as anaphylaxis, Tattersall never leaves home without two EpiPen devices. These autoinjectors deliver adrenaline, crucial for countering life-threatening allergic reactions.
“They’ve never really changed since I was a child,” Tattersall explained, listing egg, nuts, and dairy as his primary allergens. Despite rarely needing to use an EpiPen, he attributes his safety to rigorous vigilance around food, a practice instilled by his parents from a young age. “Everyone’s so understanding, which is amazing,” he added, emphasizing the importance of education on cross-contamination.
A New Hope: Nasal Spray neffy
Recently, a new treatment option has emerged for anaphylaxis sufferers in Australia. Neffy, an adrenaline-based nasal spray, offers a smaller, non-injectable alternative to traditional autoinjectors. Now available in pharmacies with a private prescription, neffy represents a significant advancement in allergy management.
Professor Mimi Tang, an immunologist at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, highlighted Australia’s high rates of allergy problems. “We clearly are having the highest rates, and these rates continue to increase,” she stated. While the exact cause remains unknown, Tang emphasized the necessity of education in managing severe allergic reactions.
Understanding Anaphylaxis and Treatment Options
Anaphylaxis is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, and dizziness. Maria Said AM from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia noted that neffy provides an important choice for those at risk. “Having a new treatment option which does not require injection will offer people at risk of anaphylaxis, and their treating doctor, the ability to choose an adrenaline device that best suits their needs,” she said.
Dr. Nick Coatsworth, speaking on Today, predicted that neffy would be popular among children and confirmed its effectiveness compared to auto-injected adrenaline. However, he stressed the importance of education in using any adrenaline-based medication.
Cost and Accessibility
Neffy is not yet listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with a submission pending consideration in March 2026. The retail price for a box containing two nasal sprays is $194, while a single spray on private prescription costs around $97, depending on the pharmacy.
In contrast, EpiPens, which are available over the counter, cost between $80 and $120 without a prescription, and $25 with a PBS prescription. Anapen® Junior 150 and Anapen® 300 are no longer available, and Anapen® 500 is currently out of stock in Australia.
Personal Choices and Future Considerations
Tattersall expressed curiosity about neffy but remains attached to the familiarity of his EpiPens. “I think it’s good that there’s something else on the market,” he said, indicating he would discuss the new option with his GP. Ultimately, the choice of treatment comes down to personal preference and individual needs.
As the prevalence of allergies continues to rise, the introduction of neffy offers a promising new avenue for those managing anaphylaxis. Ongoing education and awareness remain critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with severe allergies.
The information in this article is general in nature. Please consult your GP or other healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific health needs.
