Opioid Overdose Treatment Gets FDA Approval

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an over-the-counter version of naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug previously available only as a prescription drug in the U.S. Some states had figured out ways to work around the restrictions to allow pharmacists to provide it directly to people, and the drug had also been available in various community centers and local health departments.

By late summer, over-the-counter access will have the drug available in convenience stores, grocery stores, and even vending machines as a single dose nasal spray. FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement: "… approval of OTC naloxone nasal spray will help improve access to naloxone, increase the number of locations where it’s available, and help reduce opioid overdose deaths throughout the country."

The FDA's announcement is a good start, but more is required. Most states already provide access to naloxone without requiring a personal prescription. With the mass introduction of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, current naloxone dosages are not as effective, and the price of naloxone is prohibitively high. More than 100,000 annual overdoses per year are unacceptably high. The Foundry Ministries encourages all Citygate Network members to contact their elected officials to discuss what more can be done to make our families, ministries and organizations safer places to live. — Brandon Lackey, The Foundry Ministries

The 300+ organizations in Citygate Network membership seek to move people in desperate situations and destitute conditions (i.e., hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted) from human suffering to human flourishing through the process of gospel-powered life transformation. If you or someone you love is in need of Christ-centered compassion and care, please visit our member locator page today to find a mission near you.