Life-Saving Narcan Approved for Over-the-Counter Sale Amidst Ongoing Opioid Crisis

In a landmark decision set to reshape the fight against the opioid epidemic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesday the approval of Narcan, a life-saving nasal spray that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, for over-the-counter (OTC) sales.

Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, has been increasingly accessible since the FDA’s initial approval in 2015, as the nation continues to seek effective solutions to the opioid crisis. Despite requiring no special training to administer, obtaining Narcan previously necessitated a prescription. The FDA’s latest decision aims to save even more lives by lifting this restriction.

Although OTC Narcan is anticipated to be available by the end of summer, concerns regarding its retail price and accessibility have been raised. Addressing these worries, FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., emphasized the agency’s dedication to ensuring Narcan remains both accessible and affordable.

“The FDA remains committed to addressing the evolving complexities of the overdose crisis. As part of this work, the agency has used its regulatory authority to facilitate greater access to naloxone by encouraging the development of and approving an over-the-counter naloxone product to address the dire public health need,” said Califf. “Today’s approval of OTC naloxone nasal spray will help improve access to naloxone, increase the number of locations where it’s available, and help reduce opioid overdose deaths throughout the country. We encourage the manufacturer to make accessibility to the product a priority by making it available as soon as possible and at an affordable price. – FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D”

Another area of concern is drug stores and other retailers’ willingness to carry the 4-milligram bottles of Narcan nasal spray and display them on their shelves. Despite the growing attention to opioids and addiction in general, products like Narcan and other life-saving addiction treatments continue to be stigmatized.

Emergent BioSolutions, Narcan’s manufacturer, has not yet announced a retail price for the general public. However, they revealed that they would continue to offer Narcan at a discount for government agencies, first responders, and nonprofits working to reduce opioid-related deaths.

The FDA’s decision to broaden Narcan’s accessibility arrives at a critical time. Even with the concerted efforts of harm-reduction groups, local health departments, and the federal government, opioid overdoses claimed over 100,000 lives in the United States in 2021.

While making Narcan more accessible is a significant step in preventing fatal opioid-related overdoses, knowing how to recognize an overdose and taking the proper steps if someone nearby is experiencing one is still crucial.

In the event of an overdose, it is essential to:

• Call 911 immediately
• Administer Naloxone
• Perform rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) if the person is not breathing
• Monitor their response
• Wait with the person until first responders arrive

While Narcan can save lives during opioid-related overdoses, it is not a solution for addiction itself. If you or a loved one require treatment for opioid abuse, dependency, or addiction, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 1-800-662-4357, or visit their online program locator to find addiction help.