Today, Explained Should you carry Narcan?
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Apr 5, 2023 Julie Wernau, a health and medicine reporter at The Wall Street Journal, shares her insights on the life-saving drug Narcan, now available over-the-counter. She discusses the staggering rise in opioid overdose deaths, particularly during the pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of access to Narcan. Wernau addresses the stigma surrounding its use and the complexities of harm reduction strategies. Additionally, she highlights the impact of Narcan's approval on accessibility and the ongoing fight against the escalating opioid crisis.
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FDA's Push for OTC Narcan
- The FDA encouraged pharmaceutical companies to apply for over-the-counter status for Narcan.
- They provided packaging mock-ups and legal pressure to incentivize the application process.
Workarounds Before OTC Approval
- While Narcan approval is new, many states found workarounds.
- Some states used standing orders and free vending machines to distribute it.
Shift to Harm Reduction
- OTC Narcan aims to standardize access and lessen the stigma around drug use.
- This signifies a shift from abstinence-only approaches to harm reduction.