Statement from Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D., on continued efforts to increase availability of all forms of naloxone to help reduce opioid overdose deaths

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-continued-efforts-increase-availability-all-forms-naloxone-help-reduce-opioid-overdose?utm_campaign=092019_Statement_FDA%E2%80%99s%20efforts%20to%20increase%20availability%20of%20all%20forms%20of%20naloxone&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Statement from Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D., on continued efforts to increase availability of all forms of naloxone to help reduce opioid overdose deaths

Addressing opioid overdose continues to be one of the most urgent public health priorities for the U.S. government and making potentially lifesaving treatments more readily available is one of the top ways we can address this crisis. As we observe Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, a time when we acknowledge the devastating toll the opioid crisis has inflicted on our country, we felt it was essential to clarify important information about naloxone, an emergency opioid overdose reversal treatment. Naloxone is a critical tool for individuals, families, first responders and communities to help reduce opioid overdose deaths.  Access to naloxone, however, continues to be limited in some communities. There are three FDA-approved forms of naloxone – injectable, auto-injector and nasal spray – and all three currently require a prescription, which can be a barrier for people who aren’t under the care of a health care provider or who are apprehensive about admitting to issues with substance abuse. However, in response to the crisis, most states and the District of Columbia have passed laws that allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone under a standing order, which takes the place of an individual prescription. Some states also have given ...

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