Addiction specialists are praising the FDA’s approval of over-the-counter Narcan to help with the ongoing opioid crisis. Director of Addiction Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medician, Dr. Lee Michals is hopeful with Narcan more widely available the number of overdose deaths will decrease.
“By making it over-the-counter without a prescription I think that alone highlights the importance of medications for overdose and the more widely available it is the better chance it’s going to be on hand when needed,” said Michals.
The nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose and as with any medication Michals said you should learn how to use it properly before it’s needed.
“So, if someone is non-responsive, suspecting an overdose, you just pump on each nostril, and if it’s not an opiate overdose you’re not going to do any damage, you’re not going to hurt anyone, so it makes sense to have it on hand,” said Michals.
As for who should have Narcan on hand, Michals said if you have a friend or family member with an opioid addiction it’s imperative and even if you don’t it’s like a fire extinguisher always better to have it available than not due to the widespread use of opioids. And even though Narcan will be over-the-counter-soon, Michals said don’t be afraid to ask your physician for a prescription.
“Because even over-the-counter costs can be a barrier to some people. So even though it’s over-the-counter it can still be prescribed and covered through Medicaid or other insurance plans as well,” said Michals.
The FDA said in the U.S. there were more than 100,000 reported fatal overdose deaths from October 2021 to October 2022.
Comments