EPINEPHRINE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The FDA has approved the first-ever nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis, offering a quicker alternative to the traditional epinephrine injection for managing life-threatening allergic reactions.

Epinephrine

• About: This is a hormone medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and constricts the blood vessels, making it the only life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis.
• Hormonal Release: Epinephrine is released by the adrenal glands to help the body cope with stressful situations.
• Mechanism of Action: It helps manage stressful situations by relaxing airway muscles and constricting blood vessels, counteracting the dangerous drop in blood pressure associated with anaphylaxis.
• Administration: Traditionally administered as an injection, epinephrine is used alongside emergency medical care to address life-threatening allergic reactions.
• Triggers for Use: It is effective in treating allergic reactions caused by insect bites, stings, foods, medications, latex, and other allergens.
• Critical in Emergencies: As the only life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis, timely administration of epinephrine is essential to prevent severe complications.

Efficacy of Neffy

• FDA Approval Basis: Neffy was approved by the FDA after four studies involving 175 healthy adults compared its efficacy to traditional epinephrine injections.
• Comparable Epinephrine Levels: Neffy delivered similar levels of epinephrine in the bloodstream as those achieved by standard epinephrine injections.
• Critical Physiological Responses: Neffy demonstrated similar effects on increasing blood pressure and heart rate, essential for managing anaphylaxis.
• Consistent Performance: The studies confirmed that Neffy performs on par with traditional injection methods in treating anaphylactic reactions.