The FDA approved the over-the-counter sale of naloxone, a drug used to treat opioid overdoses.

 

The FDA approved the over-the-counter sale of naloxone, a drug used to treat opioid overdoses.  Opioid overdoses cause at least 100,000 deaths a year in the U.S. The most commonly known version of naloxone is Narcan, a nasal spray made by Emergent BioSolutions. Naloxone is sold over-the-counter in many pharmacies, but following the FDA decision, it could be available in more pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers later this year. Police and first responders in areas with high rates of opioid use often carry Narcan to revive people who are overdosing on opioids like heroin or fentanyl.  Advocates argue that making naloxone more widely available and accessible will help to reduce overdose deaths. A CDC study found that bystanders were present but unable to provide life-saving treatments like naloxone in ~46% of fatal overdoses in 2021.