Neffy vs EpiPen in Australia — Key Differences, Which to Choose, and What Parents Need to Know

Reviewed: 27 April 2026

For decades, the EpiPen was the only adrenaline autoinjector available in Australia for anaphylaxis. That changed with the arrival of Neffy — a nasal spray that delivers the same medication without a needle. For parents, carers, schools, and daycares managing severe allergies, understanding the difference between these two options matters.

This article explains how each device works, what the research says, key practical differences, and which situations each option may be better suited to — including specific considerations for neurodiverse children and those with needle aversion.

Keep your autoinjector with a properly stocked first aid kit — always together.

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What Australians Need to Know About Neffy and EpiPen

Both Neffy and EpiPen deliver adrenaline (epinephrine) — the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis. Both are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia, and both are listed under the ASCIA Anaphylaxis Action Plan framework as first-line treatment options.

The fundamental difference is the delivery mechanism. EpiPen injects adrenaline into the muscle of the outer thigh via a spring-loaded needle. Neffy delivers adrenaline as a nasal spray absorbed through the nasal mucosa. Same medication, different pathway into the body.

Watch the video below from Samantha's channel covering the key differences between these two devices:

Neffy vs EpiPen — Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	EpiPen	Neffy
Delivery method	Intramuscular injection — outer thigh	Nasal spray — one nostril
Needle involved	Yes — spring-loaded, auto-retracts	No needle
Medication	Adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.3mg or 0.15mg Jr	Adrenaline (epinephrine) 2mg per spray
Can be given through clothing	Yes	Not applicable
Suitable if person is unconscious	Yes	Limited — nasal absorption requires open airway
Storage temperature	15–25°C — not refrigerated	Below 25°C — not refrigerated
PBS subsidised in Australia	Yes — with prescription	Yes — with prescription
Approved age range	Any weight — Jr for 10–20kg	30kg and above
Suitable for needle aversion	Difficult — needle is unavoidable	Yes — no needle involved
Second dose option	Second EpiPen required	Second spray in opposite nostril or second device

How to Give Neffy — Watch the Video

Neffy technique is simple but different from the EpiPen. Watch Samantha's guide to giving Neffy correctly before you need to do it under pressure:

When Each Device May Be Preferred

EpiPen may be preferred when:

The person is unconscious or has a compromised airway — intramuscular delivery does not rely on nasal absorption
The person has severe nasal congestion — which can reduce Neffy absorption
The individual weighs under 30kg — Neffy is currently approved for 30kg and above only
The setting is established on EpiPen protocol — schools and daycares with existing training may find consistency with EpiPen simpler to maintain

Neffy may be preferred when:

The person has significant needle aversion or needle phobia
The person is autistic or has sensory sensitivities that make injection particularly distressing
The individual's ASCIA Action Plan includes Neffy as a prescribed option
Carers or school staff are uncomfortable with injection technique — Neffy removes the injection barrier entirely

Important — Always Follow the ASCIA Action Plan The decision about which device to prescribe is made by the person's allergist or GP, documented in their ASCIA Action Plan, and should not be changed without medical advice. Discuss Neffy as an option at the next review appointment — not in an emergency. In an emergency, use whatever device is prescribed and available.

Neffy and Neurodiverse Children — A Meaningful Difference

For children with autism, ADHD, or significant sensory sensitivities, the prospect of an injection during an already frightening anaphylactic episode can cause extreme distress — sometimes making it harder to administer treatment safely and quickly. This is a genuine clinical consideration, not a minor preference.

Neffy removes the needle entirely. For neurodiverse children who have significant needle aversion, or who may resist injection due to sensory processing differences, Neffy can mean the difference between a cooperative treatment and a struggled one under emergency conditions.

Discuss Neffy specifically with the child's allergist at their next review, framing it in the context of their sensory profile and how they are likely to respond to injection during a real emergency. Bring notes from previous incidents if available.

It is worth noting that Neffy is currently approved for individuals weighing 30kg and above. For younger or smaller children who are not yet at this threshold, EpiPen Jr remains the appropriate option, and familiarisation with the trainer device is especially important for neurodiverse children in this weight range.

For more on first aid and neurodiverse children: First Aid for Neurodiverse Children — A Practical Guide →

What This Means for Schools and Daycares

Schools and early childhood services managing students with anaphylaxis should be aware that some students may now have Neffy prescribed rather than EpiPen. This means:

Staff training must cover both devices — technique is different
The student's ASCIA Action Plan will specify which device to use — follow the plan
Schools should not assume all students are on EpiPen — check each student's individual plan annually
If a school has a general-use autoinjector (for undiagnosed reactions), confirm with your state education department which device is appropriate for general use in your setting

Keep Autoinjectors With Your First Aid Kit

The Assurance Family First Aid Kit and Family 4WD Outdoor Kit both include a dedicated medication storage section — keeping the autoinjector, ASCIA Action Plan and first aid supplies together in one accessible location.

Family First Aid Kit → 4WD Outdoor Kit →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Neffy as effective as EpiPen for anaphylaxis?

Clinical trials used for TGA approval demonstrated that Neffy delivers adrenaline effectively for anaphylaxis treatment. Both devices are approved by the TGA and listed in ASCIA guidelines as first-line treatment options. The key difference is the delivery method — nasal absorption versus intramuscular injection — which may make Neffy less effective in specific situations such as severe nasal congestion or unconsciousness.

Can my child switch from EpiPen to Neffy?

This is a decision for the child's allergist or GP — not something to change without medical advice. Discuss Neffy at the next scheduled review, particularly if needle aversion or sensory sensitivity is a factor. The ASCIA Action Plan must be updated by the prescribing doctor before Neffy replaces EpiPen in an emergency plan.

Can Neffy be used for children under 30kg?

Neffy is currently approved in Australia for individuals weighing 30kg and above. For children below this weight, EpiPen Jr (0.15mg) remains the appropriate option. Check the current TGA approval status as this may change over time.

What if the person has a blocked nose — can Neffy still work?

Significant nasal congestion may reduce the absorption of Neffy. If a person with known severe allergies has a cold or significant congestion, this is a consideration worth discussing with their allergist — they may recommend carrying an EpiPen as a backup in these circumstances.

Is Neffy available on the PBS in Australia?

Yes. Neffy is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for eligible Australians with a confirmed severe allergy diagnosis and a valid prescription. Check with your pharmacist for current PBS pricing and eligibility criteria.

Find the right kit to keep with your autoinjector — for home, school, or on the road.

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About the Author

Samantha Kerr is the founder of Assurance First Aid Kits and a first aid trainer with 19 years of hands-on experience. Samantha has served with the Dubbo Volunteer Rescue Association and worked as a Patient Transport Officer in Outback NSW with AirMed — bringing real-world emergency experience to everything she teaches and every kit she builds.