The Nasal Adrenaline spray became available in Ireland, prompting Darren Forde of Mayo to adapt his emergency medical cabinets to store the needle-free medication, according to local reports. Forde, the founder of Eco Powered Cabinets based in Hollymount, modified his “Emergency Anaphylaxis Plus Kit” (EMK) after the manufacturer contacted his firm earlier this year regarding the Irish launch. The device is manufactured by Collins Plastics in Ballina and named in memory of Emma, Michael, and Kathleen.
Needle-Free Anaphylaxis Treatment Reaches Ireland
The arrival of the nasal spray offers an alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors for treating severe allergic reactions. According to announcements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the spray—commercially known as neffy and manufactured by ARS Pharmaceuticals—is designed for adults and children weighing more than 66 pounds. Dr. Kelly Stone, associate director of the Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated that some patients, particularly children, delay treatment due to a fear of injections. The FDA noted that the nasal spray addresses this unmet need by reducing barriers to rapid treatment.
Design and Storage Modifications in Mayo
Forde’s company responded to the medication’s rollout by redesigning its storage units. The EMK, which was launched earlier this year in Castlebar, has been specifically adapted to accommodate the nasal device alongside existing emergency supplies. According to project details, the cabinet honors Emma, Michael and Kathleen, who lost their lives due to an allergic reaction. The hardware itself is produced by Collins Plastics Ballina and is patent pending, positioning local manufacturing to support the distribution of needle-free emergency gear.
Clinical Background and Regulatory Review
The regulatory clearance for the nasal spray follows extensive clinical testing. According to FDA data, approval is based on four studies in 175 healthy adults, without anaphylaxis, that measured the epinephrine concentrations in the blood following administration of neffy or approved epinephrine injection products. Results demonstrated that the nasal spray achieved blood concentrations comparable to approved injection products while effectively triggering necessary increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Regulators advise that if the first dose doesn’t ease symptoms, the agency urges giving a second dose (from a new dispenser) into the same nostril, followed by close patient monitoring and emergency medical help.
Potential Side Effects and Medical Warnings
Medical labeling indicates that the spray carries potential side effects and specific usage warnings. According to FDA safety information, adverse reactions can include throat irritation, tingling nose, headache, nasal discomfort, feeling jittery, tingling sensation, fatigue, tremor, runny nose, itchiness inside the nose (nasal pruritus), sneezing, abdominal pain, gum pain, numbness in the mouth, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, the agency warns that certain nasal conditions—such as nasal polyps or a history of nasal surgery—may affect absorption of neffy, and patients with these conditions should consult with a health care professional to consider use of an injectable epinephrine product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the nasal adrenaline spray?
According to the FDA, the spray is for use by adults and children who weigh more than 66 pounds.
How is the nasal spray administered during an allergic reaction?
The dose is spritzed into one nostril. If the first dose doesn’t ease symptoms, the agency urges giving a second dose (from a new dispenser) into the same nostril.
Where are the emergency anaphylaxis kits manufactured in Ireland?
According to local reports, the EMK is manufactured in Collins Plastics Ballina.
What safety warnings are associated with the nasal spray?
The FDA notes that certain nasal conditions, such as nasal polyps or a history of nasal surgery, may affect absorption of neffy, and patients with these conditions should consult with a health care professional to consider use of an injectable epinephrine product.
Did you know? Darren Forde named the EMK unit in memory of Emma, Michael and Kathleen who lost their lives due to an allergic reaction.
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