FDA approved Narkana brand-name version of the drug manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions.
“The FDA’s announcement to make Narcan available over-the-counter “At a time when the majority of overdose deaths are caused by illicit opioids like fentanyl, this is an important step in making this drug more accessible to more people,” said the White House’s National Drug Administration. Policy Department Director Rahul Gupta said.
Naloxone is a drug that helps reduce deaths from opioid overdose. Timely administration, usually within minutes of the first sign of an opioid overdose, can counter the effects of an overdose.
Because Narcan is a nasal spray that requires no special training to administer, anti-opioid advocates have high hopes that it will be available over-the-counter. Greatly expanded access.
People who need naloxone the most are often the least likely to go to a pharmacy and ask for it because of the stigma surrounding drug use.
According to the manufacturer, the Narcan will be available in retail stores by the end of summer. Prescription products will continue to be available through pharmacies and community distribution.
But the impact of the FDA’s move will largely depend on how much Emergent charges. Supporters of harm reduction unaffordable price For groups that distribute it to those who need it most.
Currently state governments and non-profit organizations pay about $47 For a package containing two spray canisters each containing 4 milligrams of drug.
Emergent hasn’t disclosed how much it will charge for the non-prescription version. Health insurance plans typically don’t cover over-the-counter drugs, but advocates and experts say make it happen.
“All payers should continue or start covering naloxone for free or at a low cost. Naloxone should be added to that list,” Bobby Mukkamara, chairman of the American Medical Association’s Substance Use and Pain Management Task Force, said in a statement.
