NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – For the first time in more than a hundred years, there’s now an FDA-approved alternative to the Epi-pen.

Within the last few weeks, the drug has made it to Tennessee, and doctors are now eager to get the word out.

Sidney Nolan, a Nashville teacher, described some of the challenges that comes from working with children.

“Germs,” Nolan said. “Their germs, them touching me with their germs, somebody getting hurt, they’re emotional.”

For Nolan, who is allergic to mango, peaches and cantaloupe, the constant contact in the classroom creates some additional risks.

She has carried an auto-injector Epi-pen around with her since she was 7 years old. The one time she had to use it, it gave her a rash.

Until now, the Epi-pen has been the only option for those who face the threat of anaphylaxis, like Nolan.

Mt Juliet allergist Dr. Wesley Cain said a new product, called Neffy, is a nasal spray version of the Epi-pen designed for anyone who weighs 60 pounds or heavier.

Cain said it is the same drug, but smaller, cheaper and longer lasting. Maybe one of the most important differences is the lack of needles.

Out of all the prescriptions that were written out for injector pens, only half of them were actually filled, according to 2023 pharmacy claims data.

Out of the people who did fill out the prescriptions, only half of them carried them on their persons because many people are afraid to actually use them.

“You know, we hear stories all the time where people show up to the E.R. with their Epi-pen in hand wanting the E.R. to inject it rather than them doing it themselves,” Cain said.

The delay can be deadly. Cain said he hopes the new option will save more lives.

“Everybody seems to be super excited about it,” said Cain.

Nolan said she is excited for the new option, and now she looks forward to the day when Neffy can be used on small children too.

The drugmaker said it is looking to make the option usable for children next.

“That will relieve a lot of stress,” Nolan said. “I’d rather just give them some nose spray and that’d be all.”

Anyone interested in Neffy should contact their allergist or pediatrician. Pharmacies that do not currently carry it can order it.

Co-pay assistance cards can also be found on Neffy’s website.

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