Narcan Approved Over-the-Counter Purchase

Health News: April 7, 2023: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently announced its approval of
over-the-counter (OTC) Narcan nasal spray.

This is a significant milestone in the fight against the opioid epidemic
that has been ravaging the United States for years. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can quickly
reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Previously, Narcan was only available by prescription, making it difficult for those who needed it most to access it quickly. With the FDA's approval of OTC Narcan nasal spray, the life-saving medication will be more readily available to the public without the need for a prescription.

The approval of OTC Narcan nasal spray comes as a response to the increasing number of opioid-related deaths in the
United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 101,750 reported fatal overdoses occurring in the 12-month period ending in October 2022, primarily driven by synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl. 

With the availability of OTC Narcan nasal spray, more people will have access to this life-saving medication, potentially reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the United States. The nasal spray is easy to use and can be administered by anyone, regardless of their medical training.

From the FDA

"Naloxone is a critical tool in addressing opioid overdoses and today’s approval underscores the extensive efforts the agency has undertaken to combat the overdose crisis,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The FDA is working with our federal partners to help ensure continued access to all forms of naloxone during the transition of this product from prescription status to nonprescription/OTC status. Further, we will work with any sponsor seeking to market a nonprescription naloxone product, including through an Rx to OTC switch, and encourage manufacturers to contact the agency as early as possible to initiate discussions.”

While the approval of OTC Narcan nasal spray is a significant step in the fight against the opioid epidemic, the timeline for availability and pricing of the product is determined by the manufacturer. It is unclear when the product will become available over-the-counter or how much it will cost.

However, the FDA's approval of OTC Narcan nasal spray is a positive step forward in the fight against the opioid epidemic. The availability of this life-saving medication can potentially save countless lives and provide greater access to those who need it most.

WNCtimes