Canada Classifies neffy Nasal Spray as Schedule II
Health Canada-authorized neffy epinephrine nasal spray can now be dispensed without a prescription in provinces and territories where one was previously required.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Allergies
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NAPRA has classified neffy 2 mg, an epinephrine nasal spray, as a Schedule II product across Canada. The change allows pharmacists to dispense it without a prescription in provinces and territories where one was previously required.
Why it matters
Approximately 2.5 million Canadians live with severe allergies that put them at risk of anaphylaxis, and faster access to epinephrine is central to emergency response. The scheduling change expands where people can obtain the treatment in Canada.
Adverse reaction rates after a second dose were 18.8% for throat irritation, 17.6% for headache, 12.9% for nasal discomfort and 10.6% for feeling jittery. The authorization covers emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis from insect stings, foods, medicines, exercise or unknown causes.
The players
ALK Canada
The Canadian arm of ALK-Abelló, the Danish allergy immunotherapy company, which announced the NAPRA classification.
NAPRA
The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, the body that sets national scheduling classifications for drugs in Canada.
Health Canada
The federal department responsible for regulating health products, which authorized neffy for use in Canada in April 2026.
The details
Health Canada authorized neffy in April 2026, and the nasal spray is designed for fast absorption of a full, single dose of epinephrine without priming. Consumers must speak with a pharmacist, who conducts counselling before dispensing neffy without a prescription.
Timeline
April 2026: Health Canada authorizes neffy for use in Canada.
November 9, 2026: ALK Canada announces the NAPRA Schedule II classification.
Big Picture
The move follows Health Canada's April 2026 authorization of neffy and reflects the national scheduling framework NAPRA applies to drugs. Expanding pharmacy-level access to epinephrine parallels earlier efforts to make emergency allergy treatment available without a prescription.
Canadians with severe allergies may now be able to obtain neffy from a pharmacist without a prescription, depending on their province or territory. Pharmacists will counsel patients before dispensing, and the spray is authorized for people weighing 30 kg (66 pounds) or more.
The takeaway
Anyone living with severe allergies should ask their pharmacist about neffy and confirm local availability, since access depends on provincial and territorial rules. Keeping an epinephrine device on hand and reviewing an anaphylaxis action plan with a health professional remains important.
Further reading
Explore more on Allergies for context on how epinephrine access affects people living with severe reactions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firstwordpharma.
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