Get certified in Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine Auto-Injector for just $29.95.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, has approved a major new development in the treatment of severe allergic reactions. For the first time in the U.S., a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray has been authorized for use in emergencies to treat anaphylaxis, a sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Until now, adrenaline has always been given by injection, using auto-injectors like the EpiPen. These are incredibly effective, but for some people, especially those who have a strong fear of needles or find it difficult to administer an injection in an emergency, using them can be challenging. The newly approved nasal spray provides an alternative, needle-free way to deliver adrenaline. It is a single-dose, ready-to-use spray that is administered through the nostril, delivering adrenaline rapidly into the bloodstream through the nasal mucosa. It is approved for adults and children weighing 33 pounds or more, which is roughly children over the age of four. This new option does not replace the traditional adrenaline auto-injectors. The FDA has made it clear that adrenaline pens remain vital and potentially life-saving, and people who currently carry them should continue to do so. Instead, the nasal spray adds another safe and effective method for delivering adrenaline quickly in emergencies, particularly where injections are difficult or delayed. The nasal spray can be used even if a person has a blocked or congested nose. However, as with all forms of emergency adrenaline, people at risk of anaphylaxis should always carry two doses, and those around them, including family members, friends, colleagues, and teachers, should know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and how to administer the treatment. The FDA approval follows a detailed review of clinical evidence confirming that the nasal spray delivers adrenaline effectively and safely. This innovation represents a major step forward in making life-saving treatment more accessible and user-friendly for people living with severe allergies. As with all cases of suspected anaphylaxis, the priorities remain the same: recognize the reaction quickly, administer adrenaline without delay, call 911, and continue to monitor and support the casualty until emergency help arrives.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a major new development in the treatment of severe allergic reactions. For the first time in the US, a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray has been authorised for emergency use in cases of anaphylaxis — a sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Until now, adrenaline for anaphylaxis has always been delivered by injection, typically using auto-injectors such as the EpiPen. These devices are highly effective, but for some people — particularly those with a strong fear of needles or who struggle to administer an injection during a crisis — they can present challenges.
The newly approved nasal spray provides a needle-free, single-dose, ready-to-use alternative. Administered through the nostril, the spray delivers adrenaline rapidly into the bloodstream via the nasal mucosa.
The spray is approved for:
The MHRA has emphasised that this new nasal spray does not replace traditional adrenaline auto-injectors. Adrenaline pens remain vital, effective, and life-saving tools. Anyone who currently carries an auto-injector must continue to do so.
Instead, the nasal spray adds an additional safe and effective option — particularly helpful for situations where injections are difficult, delayed, or distressing.
The decision follows a detailed review of clinical evidence showing that the nasal spray delivers adrenaline safely and effectively. This innovation marks an important advancement, making emergency treatment more accessible and user-friendly for people living with severe allergies.
Regardless of the type of adrenaline used, the priorities remain unchanged:
This new needle-free adrenaline spray represents a significant step forward in emergency allergy treatment — offering greater choice, improved accessibility, and a potentially easier way to deliver life-saving care when every second counts.