Over the last 20 years it is estimated that over a million people have died from drug overdoses often associated with opioids. Post pandemic data indicate that opioid overdoses/deaths are increasing at a greater than previous rate and are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
Today the FDA approved a nonprescription naloxone nasal spray packaged in two 4 mg doses by Emergent BioSolutions. The product should be available in pharmacies by late summer, 2023. While most States have a mechanism in place that allows pharmacists to provide treatment to at risk individuals without a personal prescription, approving an over the counter antidote will allow easier access and most definitely save lives.