FDA approves over-the-counter version of the opioid antidote Narcan
MIAMI - With drug overdoses near record levels the Food and Drug Administration has approved for the first time an over-the-counter version of an opioid antidote that saves live.
Until now the overdose-reversing drug Narcan has been available with a prescription only but on Wednesday with a unanimous vote The Food and Drug Administration approved in favor of selling Narcan without a prescription. Dr. Sarah Larosa is an emergency room physician at HCA University Florida Hospital.
" I think that's a great thing. It's gonna be great for communities that it will help to prevent deaths from opioid use" said Larosa with HCA Florida University Hospital.
The medication is a key tool in preventing opioid-related overdose deaths which have climbed in recent years. According to the CDC more than 80,000 people have died of overdoses involving opioids in 2021 a historic high.
"It's a great drug. I have seen many too many to count opioid overdoses from heroin, fentanyl, and other types of hope your drugs. Unfortunately, we get maybe one a day, at least in most ERs that I've had some sort of overdose with opioids" said Larosa.
The O-T-C nasal spray will come in a package of two doses and can be given to anyone even children and babies. However, Larosa says after taking the medication they should seek medical attention.
"If they do get this medication out in the field or if a family member gives it to them. They should come to the hospital so we could control the symptoms they have after" said Larosa.
Larosa believes making this drug readily available could be life changer.
"Patients aren't going to seek out prescription for Narcan. They may be embarrassed. They may not want to tell the doctor they go to that they use opioids. Sometimes it's family members who may seek out to buy it over the counter because they know a family, member, or friend has a problem, and they can help to prevent death," said Larosa.
According to the company, Emergent BioSolutions Narcan will be available over the counter by late summer.