Opioid overdoses have increased the past decade and there is a rescue drug gaining more availability across the U.S. Advocates say naloxone (brand name Narcan), available as a nasal spray and in injectable form is saving lives, when administered correctly and in a timely manner.
There’s more naloxone than ever thanks to federal and state policies supplying it to police, firefighters, EMTs, and the general public through local pharmacies. Many municipalities are offering free training classes and passing out naloxone to people who attend these sessions. NEXT Distro is an organization that mails this rescue drug nationwide for free.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering allowing some forms of naloxone to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription, a move that could lower the cost and increase distribution to those in need. This overdose crisis claims the lives of over 100,00 people annually in this country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers training videos and articles to clinicians, pharmacists, emergency personnel, and family members/caregivers on their website at https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/naloxone/training/index.html
Recent Articles Regarding Naloxone:
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia/articles/2023-01-29/experts-urge-better-opioid-rescue-drug-access-to-save-lives
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/13/1142209875/drugmaker-plans-overdose-reversal-nasal-spray-narcan-over-the-counter