There are more options than ever for carrying emergency epinephrine in case of an allergic reaction, including a needle-free choice. These come in two-packs, and you should always carry both in case the first dose is not sufficient to stop and reverse your symptoms.
Note: It’s important to use the correct name for the device that delivers epinephrine via needle. Many people — including the press — often call this an EpiPen, but “EpiPen” is actually the brand name of an epinephrine auto-injector. It’s similar to calling a cotton swab a “Q-Tip” or a lip balm a “Chapstick”.
Neffy
Neffy is the first needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, offering a user-friendly alternative to traditional auto-injectors.
It comes in two strengths: 1 mg for children weighing 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg) and 2 mg for individuals weighing 66 lbs (30 kg) or more. The device is designed for easy, single-dose administration into one nostril, without requiring sniffing during or after use.
Here is a video describing how neffy is administered:
EpiPen, EpiPen Jr
These are epinephrine auto-injectors manufactured by Pfizer and marketed by Viatris — formerly known as Mylan.
They come in two strengths: 0.15 mg for children weighing 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg) and 0.3 mg for individuals weighing 66 lbs (30 kg) or more. Like all epinephrine auto-injectors, they are administered in the outer thigh.
Here’s a video showing how to use the EpiPen, EpiPen Jr, and Mylan’s Authorized Generics described in the next entry:
Mylan Authorized Generic for EpiPen, EpiPen Jr
These are identical to the EpiPen and EpiPen Jr, but labeled as “generic” by Mylan. They are roughly half the price of their brand-name counterparts and were introduced at a time Mylan was under fire for its pricing practices. See the entry above for more information.
Adrenaclick Generic (also known as Amneal, Impax, Lineage)
This is the generic version of the older Adrenaclick auto-injector marketed by Amneal, but it is known under different names due to numerous acquisitions. Though this is technically a generic, it does not work the same way as EpiPen; hence, it cannot generally be dispensed in place of EpiPen or Mylan’s Authorized Generic and must be filled using a separate prescription.
It comes in two strengths: 0.15 mg for children weighing 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg) and 0.3 mg for individuals weighing 66 lbs (30 kg) or more. Like all epinephrine auto-injectors, it is administered in the outer thigh.
Here’s a video showing how to use this auto-injector:
Auvi-Q
This is the rectangular auto-injector manufactured and marketed by Kaléo, which, when activated, guides you through the administration process via voice prompts.
It comes in three strengths:
- 0.1 mg for infants and children 16.5-33 lbs (7.5-15 kg);
- 0.15 mg for children 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg);
- 0.3 mg for individuals 66 lbs or more.
Here’s a video showing how to use the Auvi-Q:
Teva Generic for EpiPen, EpiPen Jr
This is the device marketed by Teva that was approved by the FDA in 2019. It functions similarly to the EpiPen and as such is the first FDA-approved generic for EpiPen other than Mylan’s own generic.
It comes in two strengths: 0.15 mg for children weighing 33-66 lbs (15-30 kg) and 0.3 mg for individuals weighing 66 lbs (30 kg) or more. Like all epinephrine auto-injectors, it is administered in the outer thigh.
To see a video showing how to use the Teva auto-injector, visit their website.
Your allergist might prefer prescribing a specific brand of epinephrine auto-injector, but it may not be the best fit for your lifestyle and circumstances. We recommend researching different brands and discussing your preference with your doctor.
Most of the offerings listed above are covered by medical insurance with copays, and some offer assistance if you are uninsured or underinsured. Visit their respective websites to learn more.
Most importantly, remember: the sooner epinephrine is administered when anaphylaxis is suspected, the better the outcome. Always take two epinephrine doses along everywhere, every time!
Very informative.
This does not include neffy, the needle-free epinephrine. Are you able to update this to reflect that?
Done!