FDA Approves Narcan as First Over-the-Counter Naloxone

On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, to be sold without a prescription. This is the first instance of the FDA approving any form of naloxone to be sold over the counter.

Narcan is the inhaled spray form of naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdose. The FDA decision comes as a way to improve access to naloxone in order to help reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths.

What is Narcan and How Does It Save Lives?

Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, where it reverses and blocks the effects of opioids. This can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing. It's a safe medication without evidence of significant adverse reactions, and has no harmful effect on a person without opioids in their system. Most importantly, data shows that naloxone availability helps save lives:

• Opioid overdose deaths have decreased by 14 percent on average in states with naloxone access laws.
• Naloxone distribution programs have resulted in an 11 percent decrease in opioid deaths, with no increase in opioid use rates, in communities where enacted.
• Statistical modeling suggests that increased distribution of naloxone among emergency personnel and the general population could prevent 21 percent of opioid overdose deaths.

How is Narcan Administered?

Naloxone delivery systems tend to come in two forms, injectable and as a prepackaged nasal spray. Delivering naloxone via injection is only done by a medical professional, which is why the nasal spray option is so valuable: its ease of use ensures that anyone can properly administer it to reverse an overdose, from emergency responders to untrained civilians.

Visit Mountainside Medical Equipment for Narcan and the Best Emergency Supplies

It's crucial that the best emergency supplies are widely available, not just to professionals, but to everyone. That's why Mountainside Medical Equipment offers the best rescue supplies for your home, office, school, organization, or any other venue.  Visit us today!

Using Narcan is even easier when you have a dedicated naloxone kit, like Mountainside Medical Equipment's Narcan Nasal Spray Kit. These all-inclusive kits have everything you need to stop an overdose, provided in a convenient and highly visible carrying case to save time when you need it most.