As opioid overdoses continue to climb—claiming more than 80,000 American lives in 2021—the role of naloxone (often known as Narcan®, one of its brand names) is gaining attention.
Naloxone, which can be administered as a nasal spray or by injection, can quickly reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. (It will not work on overdoses from cocaine, methamphetamine, or other non-opioid drugs.)
In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan® (as a nasal spray) for over-the-counter use, which means a prescription is not required and people will be able to buy it in pharmacies, stores, and perhaps even from vending machines. In August, the agency granted a second over-the-counter approval to RiVive™ nasal spray from Harm Reduction Therapeutic’s, a nonprofit pharmaceutical organization. The latter product is expected to become available in early 2024.