On March 29, the FDA approved the first nonprescription, 'over-the-counter' (OTC) naloxone nasal spray, Narcan. Naloxone--a medicine that can reverse an opioid-related overdose--has been shown to be a critical tool to prevent fatal overdoses, connect more people to treatment for substance use disorder, and save lives.
This action by the Biden-Harris administration to make this naloxone product available without a prescription will pave the way for the life-saving medication to be sold directly to consumers in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online.
In addition to being used by health care professionals, naloxone is increasingly being distributed to first responders, and family members who may witness and respond to an opioid overdose. The availability of nonprescription and prescription naloxone could help to further increase its distribution and accessibility, potentially saving more lives and reducing the burden of overdose on individuals, families, and communities.
(source: HHS.gov press release )
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