FDA approves Narcan for OTC sale, offering hope for overdose reversal.
The FDA has approved Narcan, an overdose-reversing nasal spray, for non-prescription sale, making it the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription. The drug rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, including in situations where fentanyl is involved. The move is seen as a step forward in advancing the agency's overdose prevention strategy, with the HHS launching a department-wide approach to work with stakeholders to implement the change from prescription to over-the-counter status. The price of the over-the-counter option will be determined by the manufacturer, Emergent BioSolutions, and it may take months for it to be available.