Introduction
Severe allergic reactions typically occur outside healthcare settings and require patients/caregivers to respond quickly to avoid serious complications. To be rapidly accessible in any location, it is vital that epinephrine delivery devices be able to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures. The stability of an epinephrine nasal spray was evaluated during freeze/thaw cycles and following extended exposure to extreme heat.
Methods
Intranasal epinephrine samples were subjected to five consecutive 24- to 72-hour freeze/thaw cycles ranging from freezing (-20°C/-4°F) to extreme heat (40°C/104°F). Heat stability was also assessed relative to other epinephrine products. Products were kept at 50°C/122°F for 3 months or 40°C/104°F for 6 months, with a reference condition of 25°C/77°F.
Results
Following the five freeze/thaw cycles, intranasal epinephrine potency ranged from 103.6% (Day 2) to 103.3% (Day 14) of labeled potency. After 3 months at 50°C/122°F, potency decreased by 56.6% for pre-filled syringes, 41.6% for autoinjectors, and 8.6% for intranasal epinephrine. After 6 months at 40°C/104°F, potency decreased by 27.5% for autoinjectors, 17.2% for pre-filled syringes, and 13.9% for intranasal.
Conclusions
Intranasal epinephrine potency was not affected by extreme temperature fluctuations (-20/-4 to 40°C/104°F) or by multiple freeze/thaw cycles and remained within specifications for potency under extreme temperature conditions after 3-months at 50°C/122°F or 6-months at 40°C/104°F. While intranasal epinephrine is unlikely to have reduced efficacy following exposure to extreme high or low temperatures that mimic real world exposures and boosting confidence in use throughout its 24 to 30-month shelf-life, patients/caregivers should always carry devices with them.
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