Access to naloxone in underserved communities

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) for over-the-counter use to reverse an opioid overdose.1 This means it can be purchased without a prescription at retail stores and online alongside other commercial products. Narcan is expected to be available over-the-counter by the end of summer 2023. The change could reduce barriers to accessing naloxone, but could increase cost and compromise existing harm reduction programs.

Overdose deaths remain a big problem in the United States: more than 101,000 people died of overdoses in 2022,2 mainly related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Annual opioid overdose deaths have increased more than eight times since 1999.3 People from low-income groups, rural areas and communities of color are disproportionately affected.4 Access to naloxone, deemed essential by the World Health Organization,5 is recognized as a public health priority. Naloxone has been sold over the counter in Italy since 1996 and is also available in Canada, Australia and Europe without a prescription. Access to naloxone and other evidence-based harm reduction strategies…