U.S. health advisers are weighing whether the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan, should be made available as an over-the-counter medication.
U.S. health advisers on Wednesday were weighing whether the overdose-reversal drug naloxone should be made available as an over-the-counter medication to help fight the national opioid crisis.U.S. health advisers are weighing whether the overdose-reversal drug naloxone should be made available as an over-the-counter medication
The brand under review, Narcan, comes as a nasal spray and is the leading version of the drug. The panel vote is a nonbinding recommendation and the FDA will make a final decision on the drug in coming weeks. "We believe that nonprescription naloxone may help address these barriers," said FDA's Dr. Jody Green, noting the switch would allow the drug to be sold in vending machines, convenience stores and supermarkets.
Maya Doe-Simkins, a co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, said an over-the-counter version of Narcan could also lead to a perception that it's better than other forms of naloxone. FDA reviewers also said the study conditions didn't reflect the emergency situations in which naloxone is used. For instance, study participants had unlimited time to review the instructions before answering questions about how to use the spray.
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