The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approved an over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray for use March 29, 2023. Turning Point of Tampa’s CEO Robin Piper was quoted by the Fox news team.
This short blog discusses the opioid crisis and how this over the counter version of Naloxone will impact emergency treatment for our local health departments, mental health services, those who treat opioid use disorder like Turning Point of Tampa, as well as family members and friends
Drug Stores, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, Gas Stations can Sell Naloxone Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the sale of the over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray and explains that by approving this drug that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses to be sold directly to consumers in drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations as well as online, will help the opioid epidemic.
As the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription, drug overdose deaths will diminish with this life saving medication.
OTC Naloxone Nasal Spray
The FDA remains committed to addressing the evolving complexities of the overdose crisis and by doing so has approved this life saving medication to overcome opioid overdose.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is responsible for prepackaged over-the counter OTC Narcan as a result of NIDA-funded research
What is the Narcan Spray?
The nasal spray Naloxone – better known by generic names such as Narcan® and Kloxxado® is an FDA-approved prefilled and needle-free mechanism that does not need to be assembled.
You simply spray this lifesaving medication into one nostril while the person lays on their back. This rapidly reverses the effects synthetic opioids.
This device can also be easier for loved ones and bystanders without formal training to use.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf said:
“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”
He further stated:
“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.”
Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths
The Biden administration has said they want to facilitate greater access to those needing help with substance use disorders. Recognizing the dire public health issues Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy, said accessibility is key to ensuring that the Narcan nasal spray saves lives.
“It’s really important that we continue to do everything possible in our power to make this life-saving drug available to anyone and everyone across the country,”
Robin Piper, the CEO of Turning Point of Tampa said
“It’s so important for people to have access. And I think with our population having access over the counter, it’s going to be even more beneficial because there’s no stigma attached to asking.”
Is Naloxone Safe for Pregnant Women?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, pregnant women can be safely given naloxone in limited doses under the supervision of a doctor.
In Closing
Turning Point of Tampa has been helping those with substance abuse issues in Tampa, Florida since 1987. Our medical and clinical staff work with individuals from throughout the United States. As an in-network facility with most insurance companies, and as a recognized leader within the addiction field, we are grateful that drug overdoses no longer need to be fatal and that a single dose or personal prescription will no longer be mandated.
Anyone anywhere will have access to this emergency treatment medication that rapidly reverses the effects of most drug overdoses.
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