On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first naloxone product for over-the-counter (OTC), non-prescription use: Narcan, 4mg nasal spray. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose and prevent opioid overdose deaths. It is important to note that only Narcan has been approved so far for OTC use; other formulations of naloxone will still require a prescription.
American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest, age-adjusted drug overdose rates of any population. Opioid overdose deaths, particularly due to fentanyl and fentanyl-laced drugs, have taken destructive tolls on our Tribal communities. Expanding access to products such as Narcan is a welcome addition to Tribal harm reduction and opioid overdose prevention efforts that hold the potential to save Native lives.
