FDA gives the ok for opioid overdose reversal drug to be sold over the counter
FDA approves nasal spray that treats fentanyl AND opioid overdoses as they happen for over-the-counter use — meaning it can be sold in vending machines and big box stores
Narcan, the nasal spray that quickly reverses opioid overdoses, can now be sold without a prescription, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The approval announced Wednesday marks the end of a long-fought battle by public health officials and addiction medicine experts to make the antidote more readily available, a move they say would save hundreds of thousands of lives.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said: ‘Today’s approval of OTC nasal spray naloxone will help improve access to naloxone, increase the number of locations where it is available and help reduce opioid overdose deaths across the country.’
Narcan could be available as early as this summer at major retailers, vending machines, supermarkets and convenience stores.
