Neffy Epinephrine Nasal Spray Now Available Without a Prescription in Canada
Neffy, an epinephrine nasal spray for severe allergic reactions, can now be purchased without a prescription at Canadian pharmacies following its classification as a Schedule II product. The two-milligram dose is approved for adults and children weighing at least 30 kilograms, though patients must receive counseling from a pharmacist before purchase.
Neffy, an epinephrine nasal spray used to treat severe allergic reactions, is now available without a prescription at pharmacies across Canada. The change follows a decision by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) to classify the drug’s two-milligram dose as a Schedule II product nationwide.
The reclassification means the nasal spray can be obtained without a prescription in provinces and territories where one was previously required. However, consumers cannot simply pick it off the shelf. Patients must speak directly with a pharmacist, who will conduct proper counseling before dispensing Neffy without a prescription.
Health Canada initially approved the epinephrine nasal spray in April for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions in adults and children with a body weight of 30 kilograms (66 pounds) or more. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in the United States in 2024.
The two-milligram dose of the Neffy nasal spray is equivalent to a 0.3-milligram dose delivered by a standard epinephrine auto-injector. In 2024, results from four studies involving 175 healthy adults showed that Neffy worked about as well as injected epinephrine in boosting heart rate and blood pressure.
While the new availability provides caregivers with another way to carry and use epinephrine for first-line emergency treatment, options remain limited for younger children. A one-milligram dose of Neffy, intended for patients weighing 15 to 30 kilograms, is not yet approved for use in Canada. For now, the EpiPen Jr., which delivers a 0.15-milligram dose, remains the only option for younger patients.
Common side effects associated with Neffy include throat irritation, tingling nose, headache, nasal discomfort, fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal pain, gum pain, numbness in the mouth, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.