FDA Considering Over-the-Counter Narcan

Image copyright: Adapt Pharma [via CNBC]

The Spin

Narrative A

Naloxone should be as accessible as common headache medications and cold and flu remedies, and the American Medical Association is urging the FDA to make this happen. The wider availability of this life-saving drug will go a long way in destigmatizing drug use and will help in fighting the horrors of the opioid crisis.

Narrative B

While everyone should have access to Narcan, much more must be done to teach people how to use it. In particular, kids must be able to administer it to their parents or siblings. Labels and instructions can be negotiated to ensure that anyone legally allowed to purchase it can then safely administer the medication for the intended outcome. Implementing this solution is more complex than the FDA approval alone.


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