Narcan Receives FDA Approval To Become Over The Counter

The United States Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that NARCAN is now approved to be an over-the-county and prescription-free medication.

NARCAN can be used to help an overdose victim start breathing again.

Upper Cumberland Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Suzanne Angel said the move could be a game-changer in preventing overdose deaths.

“I think that’s wonderful news, it provides easier access,” Angel said. “And I know that some states don’t have programs like our Tennessee Save A Life project, so I think it’s going to save lives.”

Angel said now that there is easier access to the drug, the key will be to get it into people’s hands. She said that people have to understand that it needs to be in their possession before they need to use it.

Angel said she is hopeful that this will also help lower the cost of the drug. She said one thing to keep an eye on will be if insurance continues to cover NARCAN now that it is over-the-counter.

“People usually feel more comfortable getting things over the counter, they can research it, check it out,” Angel said. “(…) I really do feel like they may continue to cover it unlike some over the counter drugs because we are in an overdose death crisis in our nation. So I hope it doesn’t become a barrier.”