Do people prefer a nasal epinephrine spray or an auto-injector?
Short answer
In a 2026 Canadian study with two authors from ALK, which sells neffy, 83% of 90 people preferred the nasal spray after practising with trainers of both. They found it easier to carry and less frightening. The study measured opinions, not how well either device works.
The study, reported in four posters at the CSACI meeting in October 2026, included 90 Canadians: adults and teens with and without severe allergies, and caregivers. Adults and teens tried trainer versions of a nasal epinephrine spray and an auto-injector, watched instructional videos, tried them again and then rated both.
75 of 90 preferred the nasal spray, from 93% of adults with a severe allergy to 67% of teens with a severe allergy. People who chose the spray said it was smaller, needle-free, intuitive and seemed easier for a bystander. Those who chose the auto-injector mostly named familiarity.
Two authors work for ALK-Abelló, which sells neffy in Canada. Preference isn't effectiveness, and the authors say real-world studies are needed. Which device suits you is a decision for you and your prescriber; in Canada, neffy is authorized for people 30 kg or more. More in nasal epinephrine spray vs auto-injector.
Sources
- Poster: Nasal epinephrine spray is preferred over the epinephrine autoinjector in a Canadian comparative study (Mack DP, Protudjer JLP, Dua S, et al.), 81st CSACI Annual Scientific Meeting, Toronto (2026)
- 81st Annual CSACI Scientific Meeting, Toronto, October 15 to 18, 2026, Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2026)
- neffy product monograph (Canada), ALK-Abelló / Health Canada (2026)
Fact-checked by Western Allergy Services Ltd., Canadian allergy company since 1972, on October 29, 2026. Last updated October 29, 2026. How we check our answers
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General information, not medical advice. Always follow the instructions that come with your medication and the advice of your pharmacist or doctor. In an emergency, call 911. Medical disclaimer