First adrenaline nasal spray for the treatment of anaphylaxis

First adrenaline nasal spray for the treatment of anaphylaxis

September 1, 2025
allergies, anaphylaxis, First Aid

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced on 18 July 2025, its approval of adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray (EURneffy) to be used for the emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction that causes a drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties.

Adrenaline is a well-established treatment for anaphylaxis, commonly administered through auto-injectors. This approval marks the introduction of a nasal spray formulation, providing a needle-free alternative for the emergency administration of a potentially life-saving medication.

It is intended for use in adults and children who weigh 30 kg (about 66 pounds) or more.

Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

The first needle-free treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions will now be made available in the UK as a nasal spray.
The MRHA (medicines regulator) has just approved the drug EURneffy for emergency use. Read more here.
Allergy campaigners welcome this and say it provides an ‘easier and more accessible’ alternative to injectable autoinjectors, which are currently used to treat severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis.
We know that some people are reluctant to use the current adrenaline auto-injectors due to a fear of needles and hurting someone. This can delay administering adrenaline, and in a food allergy emergency every second counts.
The Food Standards Agency says up to 2 per cent of adults and 8 per cent of children in the UK live with a food allergy.
EURneffy, which contains adrenaline, is intended for use in adults and children who weigh 30kg (66lb) or more (so not for those currently with a junior injector.
It is a single dose nasal spray that delivers its entire contents (2mg) upon activation. People are reminded the plunger should not be pressed before inserting the product into the nostril, otherwise the single dose will be lost.
A spokeswoman for the drug firm behind the spray, ALK, said: ‘The market launch in the UK is expected within the coming months once market access negotiations are completed.’
So once an NHS list price has been agreed and the product is available, doctors will be able to prescribe the nasal spray.
It’s important to note that this option may not replace the adrenaline auto-injector, as we have yet to see how it would perform in comparison.
Currently if someone is going into anaphylactic shock, please adminster their (EpiPen/Jext or equivalent), call 999, place them in the shock position and be ready with a second AAI pen if required.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis usually develops suddenly, and gets worse very quickly. Symptoms include:

AIRWAY:

Persistent cough
Vocal changes (hoarse voice)
Difficulty in swallowing
Swollen tongue

BREATHING:

Difficult or noisy breathing
Wheezing (like an asthma attack)

CONSCIOUSNESS:

Feeling lightheaded or faint
Clammy skin
Confusion
Unresponsive/unconscious (due to a drop in blood pressure)

Anaphylaxis usually occurs together with more mild symptoms such as an itchy mouth or skin rash, but can also happen on its own without any mild signs being present.

Contact us to book our Anaphylaxis Awareness Level 2 course that teaches how to administer an auto injector in an emergency as well as spotting the signs of anaphylaxis. It can be combined with CPR and AED training as part of a recognised 6hr workshop qualification or taken as a shorter online course.