Bianca Wooden
Narcan, a potentially life-saving drug, is about to become easier to buy in the U.S.
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The naloxone nasal spray can reverse overdoses caused by opioids. This includes both prescription and illegal drugs (such as illegally manufactured fentanyl). In a recent press release, the FDA announced their decision to approve this drug for sale over the counter.
“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,” stated Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Narcan Can Temporarily Reverse the Effects of an Overdose
How can Narcan help to prevent opioid-related deaths? According to the CDC, this temporary treatment “reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids.” Since it doesn’t need to be administered by a professional, it can buy time until medical help arrives.
Technically, you can already buy Narcan from a pharmacy without a prescription, but it’s not widely available. The Associated Press tells us that the FDA’s recent decision would make it possible to buy the drug from convenience stores and grocery stores as well as online.
With over 100,000 drug-related deaths in the U.S. per year, this development could be a game-changer.
