With our many previous discussions about opioid-related topics on this show, it was given that OPTICS pharmacist Chris Bender would return to discuss the latest news surrounding the over-the-counter approval of Narcan nasal spray. We look at how naloxone products work, why 4 mg NARCAN nasal spray in particular was chosen for OTC status, concerns over costs and accessibility, and what the designation means for destigmatizing Narcan use. And we have some fun at the end by talking about what additional medications we’d like to see get the OTC treatment.

Mentioned in the Show/Further Reading:

Narcan Educational Resources:

https://www.narcan.com/healthcare-professionals/narcan-educational-kit-form/

https://www.narcan.com/public-service-educational-kit-form

Next Distro:

https://nextdistro.org/pachoice

"How Over-the-Counter Narcan Can Help Reverse Opioid Overdoses" - Scientific American

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-over-the-counter-narcan-can-help-reverse-opioid-overdoses/

"Emergent’s Statement on Over-the-Counter Access, Availability and Pricing of NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg"

https://www.emergentbiosolutions.com/media-statement/emergents-statement-on-over-the-counter-access-availability-and-pricing-of-narcan-naloxone-hcl-nasal-spray-4-mg/